Around the world Quote by Pankaj Mishra
“People who write about issues like poverty or terrorism are a part of the elite, and the distance between the elite and nonelite is growing very fast. You can move around the world but meet only people who speak your language, who share the same ideas, the same beliefs, and in doing so you can lose sight of the fact that the vast majority of the world does not think or believe in or speak the everyday discourse of the elite.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Age of Illusions, Pankaj Mishra, 2018
The author warns that intellectual elites become isolated, speaking a language and worldview that diverges sharply from the majority, widening social gaps.
In simple terms: Elites talk in a narrow language, missing most people's views.
Key Takeaway
Seek diverse perspectives beyond elite circles.
Themes
elitism
communication
social division
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- policy making
- education
- community building
Key Concepts
cultural echo chambers
globalization
identity politics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we bridge the gap between elite narratives and everyday experiences?
- What practices foster genuine cross‑cultural dialogue?
A Different Perspective
Elite discourse can ignore lived realities, leading to misinformed decisions.
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