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Home in the World: A Memoir by Amartya Sen Explores Identity, Belonging, and the Importance of Home

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Home in the World: A Memoir

by Amartya Sen

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4878 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	479 pages

Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen's memoir, Home in the World, is a deeply personal and introspective work that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the importance of home. Throughout the memoir, Sen reflects on his experiences growing up in India and Bangladesh, his time spent as a student at Santiniketan, Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard, and his subsequent career as an economist, philosopher, and public intellectual. Through these experiences, Sen examines the complex relationship between individuals and their sense of place and belonging, arguing that home is not simply a physical location but also a state of mind and a source of identity.

Sen begins the memoir by describing his childhood in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where he was born in 1933. He recalls his close relationship with his family, particularly his father, who was a prominent lawyer and economist. Sen also describes his early exposure to the political and social turmoil of the time, including the partition of India and the rise of communal violence. These experiences left a profound impact on Sen, shaping his worldview and his commitment to social justice.

In 1951, Sen left Bangladesh to attend Santiniketan, a university founded by the poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore. Sen describes Santiniketan as a place of great intellectual and cultural ferment, where he was exposed to a wide range of ideas and perspectives. He also developed a deep love for the natural beauty of the Santiniketan campus, which he describes as a "paradise on earth." Sen's time at Santiniketan had a profound impact on his intellectual and personal development, and he credits the university with helping him to develop a lifelong commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and social engagement.

After graduating from Santiniketan, Sen went to Cambridge University to study economics. Sen describes Cambridge as a place of great intellectual rigor and debate, where he was challenged by his professors and classmates to think critically and independently. He also developed close friendships with other students, many of whom went on to become leading figures in their respective fields. Sen's time at Cambridge helped him to develop his intellectual abilities and his confidence as a scholar.

After completing his studies at Cambridge, Sen returned to India to teach at the University of Delhi. However, he soon found himself drawn back to England, where he accepted a position at Oxford University. Sen describes Oxford as a place of great academic freedom and intellectual stimulation, where he was able to pursue his research interests in economics, philosophy, and literature. He also developed close friendships with other scholars, including the philosopher Isaiah Berlin and the economist John Rawls. Sen's time at Oxford helped him to establish himself as a leading scholar in his field.

In 1988, Sen moved to Harvard University, where he became a professor of economics and philosophy. Sen describes Harvard as a place of great intellectual diversity and opportunity, where he was able to teach and collaborate with leading scholars from a wide range of disciplines. He also developed close friendships with other faculty members, including the philosopher Martha Nussbaum and the economist Kenneth Arrow. Sen's time at Harvard helped him to further develop his intellectual interests and to make significant contributions to the fields of economics, philosophy, and public policy.

Throughout his memoir, Sen reflects on the importance of home. He argues that home is not simply a physical location but also a state of mind and a source of identity. Home is a place where we feel safe, loved, and accepted. It is a place where we can be ourselves and where we can grow and develop. Sen's memoir is a testament to the power of home, and it is a reminder that we all need a place to belong.

Home in the World is a beautifully written and thought-provoking memoir that offers a unique perspective on the complex relationship between individuals and their sense of place and belonging. Sen's insights into the nature of home are both personal and universal, and they will resonate with readers from all walks of life. The memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in the nature of identity, belonging, and the importance of home.

Home in the World: A Memoir

by Amartya Sen

4.5 out of 5