Quotes from Angus Deaton

Europeans tend to feel more positively about their governments than do Americans, for whom the failures and unpopularity of their federal, state, and local politicians are a commonplace. Yet Americans' various governments collect taxes and, in return, provide services without which they could not easily live their lives.

Aid can only reach the victims of war by paying off the warlords and, sometimes, extending the war.

Without effective states working with active and involved citizens, there is little chance for the growth that is needed to abolish global poverty.

Many people have mixed views about unions, but unions used to give people some measure of control at work. They gave them a social life and political representation in Washington, which doesn't really exist anymore.