80s Quote by Kazuo Ishiguro
“I still have a suspicion of charity and think the state has a role to play in many areas. And although for most of the years since I have been a rather privileged writer, I identify more closely than perhaps I should with those social workers. Had I not become a writer that would have been me. Lots of our friends are still in that world and I do feel part of that generation of people who were rather idealistic in the 70s and became disillusioned in the 80s. Not just about social services issues, but the world.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, 2014
The speaker doubts charity while believing government should intervene, reflecting a shift from idealism to disillusionment over decades.
In simple terms: Skeptical of charity, supportive of state role, nostalgic about past idealism.
Key Takeaway
Balance personal belief with societal realities.
Themes
idealism
disillusionment
government
charity
generational shift
Mood
reflective
critical
nostalgic
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- Public policy debates
- nonprofit work
- career reflections
- intergenerational dialogue
Key Concepts
Social contract
personal identity
historical context
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile personal privilege with advocacy?
- What role should the state play versus private charity?
A Different Perspective
Idealism may overlook systemic flaws.
![“It was a very economically depressed time [the 80s] and because of that, there was a lot of space. Everything was relatively dilapidated, and one could live on a pretty low income. One could live well below the poverty line and not suffer immensely.” quote by Kiki Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6f7/kiki-smith-10643_80s_it-was-a-very-economically-depressed-tim_26978.jpg)
