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About this quote

What does it mean?
Bevan states that basic survival needs must be met before people can pursue a fulfilling life.
In plain terms
People need to stay alive before they can live a good life.
What can you take from it?
Survival must be secured before pursuing abundance or self-actualization.

Where it applies

  • social policy
  • poverty alleviation
  • human rights

Putting it to work

  • ensure food security
  • provide housing

Questions to consider

  • What is the minimum for a good life?
  • How do we meet basic needs?

Another view

Some people find meaning even without basic needs being fully met.

More from Aneurin Bevan

  1. Not even the apparently enlightened principle of the 'greatest good for the greatest number' can excuse indifference to individual suffering. There is no test …

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  2. Freedom is the by-product of economic surplus.

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  3. There is only one hope for mankind - and that is democratic Socialism.

    Permalink to quote #10

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