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One-third to one-half of humanity are said to go to bed…

“One-third to one-half of humanity are said to go to bed hungry every night. In the Old Stone Age the fraction must have been much smaller. This is the era of hunger unprecedented. Now, in the time of the greatest technical power, is starvation an institution. Reverse another venerable formula: the…” quote by Marshall Sahlins
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“One-third to one-half of humanity are said to go to bed hungry every night. In the Old Stone Age the fraction must have been much smaller. This is the era of hunger unprecedented. Now, in the time of the greatest technical power, is starvation an institution. Reverse another venerable formula: the amount of hunger increases relatively and absolutely with the evolution of culture.”

Marshall Sahlins

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Modern civilization has amplified hunger, making starvation a systemic issue despite technological advances.

In simple terms: Culture and progress have increased hunger worldwide.

Key Takeaway

Address systemic causes of hunger.

Themes

hunger inequality technology culture

Mood

concerned urgent

Type

analytical critical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • NGO work
  • urban planning
  • food security initiatives

Key Concepts

social determinants resource distribution

Questions to Reflect On

  • What policies could reduce hunger in affluent societies?
  • How does cultural consumption affect food scarcity?
A Different Perspective

Economic growth alone does not guarantee food security.

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