25 Quotes by Paul Collier

Launching a turnaround takes courage. I cannot measure that and so it is not going to be included in my analysis, but behind the moments of change there are always a few people within these societies who have decided to try to make a difference.

Most conduct is guided by norms rather than by laws. Norms are voluntary and are effective because they are enforced by peer pressure.

Rebels usually have something to complain about, and if they don't they make it up. All too often the really disadvantaged are in no position to rebel; they just suffer quietly.

Electorates tend to get the politicians they deserve.

Politicians would only move beyond gestures once there was a critical mass of informed citizens.

The key obstacle to reforming aid is public opinion.. Public opinion drives them into the "I care" photo opportunities that dominate aid.

The aid agencies are not run by fools. they are full of intelligent people severely constrained by what public opinion permits.

You are a citizen, and citizenship carries responsibilities.

Migration has been politicized before it has been analyzed.