Access Quote by Shirin Ebadi
“When there is enough oxygen in the air for everyone, no one is going to take to violence in order to access it. But if there were not enough of it for everyone then people would result to violence in order to get it. Therefore we have to improve the conditions to have better human beings.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Nobel Lecture, Shirin Ebadi, 2003
If basic needs like oxygen are plentiful, conflict diminishes; scarcity drives violence, so improving conditions fosters humanity.
In simple terms: Abundance prevents conflict; scarcity fuels violence.
Key Takeaway
Ensure resources are sufficient for all.
Themes
human rights
conflict
resource scarcity
social responsibility
Mood
concerned
hopeful
Type
ethical
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- public policy
- community planning
- resource management
- education campaigns
Key Concepts
basic needs
collective welfare
environmental justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies guarantee equitable resource distribution?
- What policies best prevent scarcity‑driven violence?
A Different Perspective
Even with abundance, power imbalances can still cause conflict.
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