Inspirational Quotations

Inspirational Quotes by Michael Harrington (American Social Critic)

Michael Edward Harrington (1928–89) was an American socialist writer, political activist, and scholar whose research and advocacy shaped discussions on poverty and inequality in the United States.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Harrington developed an early interest in social issues and pursued political science at the University of Chicago. He became involved in the Democratic Socialist movement, emphasizing systemic reform and economic justice.

His most influential work, The Other America: Poverty in the United States (1962,) exposed the persistence of poverty, challenging assumptions about economic progress. The book influenced President John F. Kennedy and later President Lyndon B. Johnson, contributing to anti-poverty initiatives within Johnson’s Great Society programs.

Harrington remained active in progressive politics, founding and chairing the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA.) His other works, including The Left and the Liberal Imagination (1967,) explored the role of social movements in shaping policy. Through his writing and advocacy, he left a lasting impact on public discourse surrounding economic inequality and reform.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Michael Harrington

Clothes make the poor invisible. America has the best-dressed poverty the world has ever known.
—Michael Harrington
Topics: Fashion, Dress

Our affluent society contains those of talent and insight who are driven to prefer poverty, to choose it, rather than submit to the desolation of an empty abundance.
—Michael Harrington
Topics: Simplicity

If there is technological advance without social advance, there is, almost automatically, an increase in human misery, in impoverishment.
—Michael Harrington
Topics: Technology

It takes a certain level of aspiration before one can take advantage of opportunities that are clearly offered.
—Michael Harrington
Topics: Aspirations

That the poor are invisible is one of the most important things about them. They are not simply neglected and forgotten as in the old rhetoric of reform; what is much worse, they are not seen.
—Michael Harrington
Topics: The Poor, Poverty, Wealth

Wondering Whom to Read Next?

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *