Allan Sloan Quotes

The paradox of American democracy has been that its slogan of equal opportunity has meant, often, equal opportunity to get power over your fellows.

Whatever we do, whatever our backgrounds, we've all had some kind of advantage somewhere along the way. Some break that might have gone to someone else. Some edge or inside track we couldn't have counted on.

If the privileged in society can use that privilege to privilege others, then the consequences can be tremendous.

Everyone is born equally capable but lacks equal opportunity.

I want nothing to do with privilege.

Those of us with power must learn to listen more and talk less; those without power must learn to talk more an listen less.

We live in a system that espouses merit, equality, and a level playing field, but exalts those with wealth, power, and celebrity, however gained.

I think what we forget is that everybody loses when we keep unnecessary privilege. The cost to society overall is much greater.

Talent is equally distributed but opportunity is not.

I just think the most difficult thing to displace is privilege.

I don't think we live in a particularly equal society.

I'm aware of the fact that a lot of talented people out there will never get this chance.

I never came into life with any favours or privileges.

Most people don't get a fair crack of the whip.

It doesn't matter how much wisdom you have. If you don't have position, you have nothing. That's the tragedy of India.

We know that in our free market economy some will prosper more than others. What we don't accept is the idea that some folks won't even get a chance.

I do not believe that the colour of one's skin determines whether you are disadvantaged.

Nowadays nothing but money counts: a fortune brings honors, friendships; the poor man everywhere lies low.

I remember being shocked when I discovered some of my school pals didn't have books in their homes. I thought it was like not having oxygen, or hot water.

We must restore the emotional relationship that people have to the idea of America, that no matter where you come from, no matter where you live, that you have access to the same opportunities that somebody who is born in privilege.

Unless the great majority of Americans not only have, but believe they have, a fair chance, the better American future will be dangerously compromised.

A child's geographic location, race or parent's income level should not predetermine their life's course and it's up to us to see that they don't.

From exam grading to health education to professional training to democratic participation, paths towards self-realization and success in the world are often daunting and obscure: journeys only the privileged feel confident setting off along.

In the end, glorification of splendid underdogs is nothing other than glorification of the splendid system that makes them so.

In nominating young women and men to our service academies, it must only be about who you are, not who you know.