Anand Giridharadas is an American writer and a former columnist for The New York Times. He has written three books, most of which focused on India and its people. Giridharadas spent his childhood days in Shaker Heights, Ohio; Maryland and Paris, France. His frequent visits to India sparked an interest in the country which influenced most of his writings.
Giridharadas became a journalist in 2005 writing India for the International Herald Tribune and The New York Times. He also wrote for magazines. In 2011 Giridharadas published his first book, India Calling: An Intimate Portrait of a Nation’s Remaking, which revolved around the Indian economy. It was followed by The True American in 2014 and Winners Take all in 2018.
1 Taking offense is, in fact, one of the few things that brings us together. -Anand Giridharadas
We are a society that is divided on many terms. But the one thing that brings us closer is the fact that we easily get offended by even the simplest of things.
2 The burden of citizenship is accepting that what is neither your fault nor your responsibility may be your problem. -Anand Giridharadas
The things that we ignore because they seem too far off to even affect us sometimes have an impact in our lives. Due to our ignorance, we pay no mind to a lot of issues thinking it is not our problem, but it may very well be our problem.
3 Our technology promises the magic of constant connectedness, yet we feel loss in being atomized on separate screens. -Anand Giridharadas
In the era of massive technological innovations, we can stay connected with the rest of the world like never before. But the flip side of the coin is that we are drifting apart from those close to us and getting trapped in the virtual world of our mobile screens.
4 I worry when each of us is seduced by visions of the future that have no place for the other. -Anand Giridharadas
We are often misled into believing in a certain kind of utopian future promised to us by those trying to manipulate us for their own reasons. But dig deeper into that idea and you’ll find how polarized and prejudiced that is.
5 Most of us are too enmeshed in communities to live our ideals. -Anand Giridharadas
We are conditioned from our early days to follow our herd and never stray away. But in doing so, we lose our own individuality and forget to live by our own ideals.
6 Election time is when you start to hear about ‘average people,’ ‘working families,’ ‘patriotic Americans’ and such. Anand Giridharadas
It is during the times of elections that all the politicians finally wake up from their slumber and remember their duties that they had promised to do. You hear slogans and promises all around the country until the time the elections are over.
7 Our societies have experienced the magic that occurs when pluralism flourishes and the marginalized assume their proper powers. -Anand Giridharadas
A society that accepts diversity and empowers the weakest of the weak is one that can survive the test of time. A truly great society accepts and embraces pluralism.
8 Democracy doesn’t automatically safeguard women and minorities. -Anand Giridharadas
No political system is naturally inclusive or equal. The ideals of a democracy is solely dependent upon the collective consciousness of the people. And they need to be adapted to the changing times.
9 In my reporting, I’ve found that real change escapes many change-makers because powerful illusions guide their projects. Anand Giridharadas
Most people who claim to work to bring a change in society are blinded by ideals that have not much practical relevance. They lose sight of the real changes that are important in society.
10 If you think America is great, remember that every person telling you otherwise may carry a clue to making it greater. -Anand Giridharadas
Someone who disagrees with your idea of a perfect nation may just have a different perspective. If you try to see things through their point of view, you may notice the things that you might have overlooked.
11 When rooted, you observe how systems actually affect people. -Anand Giridharadas
When you’re connected with the people on the ground level, you start to see the practical effects that a certain system has on the people. There’s no point in making theories if you refuse to see the actual effects that it has on people.
12 It requires some intelligent reframing to make people see commonalities that they don’t otherwise see. -Anand Giridharadas
Sometimes people are so blinded by hate and prejudice that they miss the common things that they share and which bring them together. You need to be patient with them and cleverly work with them to change their minds.
12 Eye-Opening Quotes by Anand Giridhardas
1. Taking offense is, in fact, one of the few things that brings us together. -Anand Giridharadas
2. The burden of citizenship is accepting that what is neither your fault nor your responsibility may be your problem. -Anand Giridharadas
3. Our technology promises the magic of constant connectedness, yet we feel loss in being atomized on separate screens. -Anand Giridharadas
4. I worry when each of us is seduced by visions of the future that have no place for the other. -Anand Giridharadas
5. Most of us are too enmeshed in communities to live our ideals. -Anand Giridharadas
6. Election time is when you start to hear about ‘average people,’ ‘working families,’ ‘patriotic Americans’ and such. Anand Giridharadas
7. Our societies have experienced the magic that occurs when pluralism flourishes and the marginalized assume their proper powers. -Anand Giridharadas
8. Democracy doesn’t automatically safeguard women and minorities. -Anand Giridharadas
9. In my reporting, I’ve found that real change escapes many change-makers because powerful illusions guide their projects. Anand Giridharadas
10. If you think America is great, remember that every person telling you otherwise may carry a clue to making it greater. -Anand Giridharadas
11. When rooted, you observe how systems actually affect people. -Anand Giridharadas
12. It requires some intelligent reframing to make people see commonalities that they don’t otherwise see. -Anand Giridharadas
