In his book "A Wish a Day for a Week," Amartya Sen emphasizes the significance of acknowledging the imprecision inherent in important global concerns. He critiques the tendency to replace nuanced, complex issues with overly precise statements that may not reflect the true nature of those issues. By recognizing and articulating these imprecise ideas, we can engage with them more meaningfully, as suggested by Aristotle's insights from centuries ago.
Sen argues for the value of the humanities, particularly how literature like novels can convey deep truths without relying on exact figures or mathematical formulas. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of complex human experiences and societal issues, proving that some of life's most crucial aspects cannot be neatly quantified or entirely captured by data alone.