The fact that schools can actually be a major factor in cementing the world is a factor that's worth considering, the fact that we all have a shared human identity in addition to many other identities.

No substantial famine has ever occurred in a democratic country - no matter how poor.

I think just as armament had a major impact of a negative kind in the world, education is something which has a major impact of a positive kind in the world. And I think the American population, with its humanity and with its concern about the future of the world, has a real reason to think about what it can do to help the world in expanding education.

There is considerable evidence that women's education and literacy tend to reduce the mortality rates of children

I don’t think that India is much celebrated for its democracy. Democracy has been a very neglected commodity at home and abroad.

There’s a clear and strong connection between fertility reduction and women’s literacy and empowerment, including women’s gainful employment. If you look at the more than 300 districts of India, the strongest influences in explaining fertility variations are women’s literacy and gainful economic employment.

Being able to read, write, do your sums really transforms a human being.