"The value systems of those with access to power and of those far removed from such access cannot be the same. The viewpoint of the privileged is unlike that of the underprivileged"

Aung San Suu Kyi draws a distinction between the worldviews and moral compasses of individuals who wield power and those who exist on its periphery. Access to power shapes not only one's opportunities but deeply influences the principles, priorities, and ethical frameworks by which one lives. The privileged, those comfortably situated within systems of authority and influence, tend to adopt values shaped by security, the maintenance of order, and the preservation of their comforts. They often see the world through a lens that validates the status quo, either consciously or unconsciously rationalizing the structures that keep them atop societal hierarchies.

Conversely, for those distant from such power, the underprivileged, their values are often born of necessity, struggle, and a desire for equity and recognition. When survival, justice, and dignity are not guaranteed but must be fought for, one's sense of what is right and important diverges sharply from those whose lives are less precarious. The marginalized may cultivate solidarity, mutual aid, and hope as central values, often placing a premium on resistance to injustice and empathy towards others in similar situations. Their perspectives challenge dominant narratives, as they have direct, lived experience of the consequences of power being wielded without accountability.

Inevitably, these disparate value systems produce conflicting viewpoints on law, justice, governance, and even everyday morality. Privileged groups may view demands for rights and participation as destabilizing or unreasonable, while the underprivileged may view the refusal to share power or address inequality as fundamentally immoral. This divide breeds misunderstanding, alienation, and sometimes active hostility. Recognizing these differing perspectives is a first step towards empathy and more inclusive forms of governance. Ultimately, societal progress depends on bridging or at least acknowledging this gap, striving to construct systems and cultures that resonate with the priorities and experiences of all people, not just those seated in positions of privilege.