Meaning: This quote by Maxine Hong Kingston, a Chinese American author known for her works exploring the experiences of Chinese immigrants in America, carries a profound message about the impact of hunger on individuals and societies. In this quote, Kingston suggests that hunger not only affects an individual's physical well-being but also has a profound influence on their perception of the world. The quote implies that when people are deprived of the basic necessity of food, their ability to engage with the world around them is compromised.

The first part of the quote, "Hunger also changes the world," points to the broader societal implications of food insecurity. Hunger has the power to transform the social and economic fabric of communities, leading to increased inequality, poverty, and social unrest. In regions where hunger is prevalent, the lack of access to food can perpetuate cycles of poverty and hinder the overall development of the society. Furthermore, hunger can lead to a range of health issues, affecting the productivity and well-being of individuals, which in turn impacts the overall progress of a community or nation.

The second part of the quote, "when eating can't be a habit, then neither can seeing," delves into the personal experience of hunger and its impact on perception. Kingston suggests that when individuals are constantly preoccupied with the struggle to obtain food, their ability to engage with the world around them is profoundly altered. This can be interpreted in a literal sense, as malnutrition and hunger can impair a person's vision and cognitive function, affecting their ability to perceive the world accurately. However, the quote also carries a metaphorical meaning, indicating that the experience of hunger can cloud one's ability to see beyond their immediate struggle and engage with broader societal issues or opportunities.

The quote can be contextualized within the broader themes of Kingston's writing, which often explores the experiences of Chinese immigrants and their struggles with identity, assimilation, and cultural clashes in America. The notion of hunger in Kingston's quote may not only refer to the physical deprivation of food but also symbolize the emotional and psychological hunger experienced by individuals who are marginalized or displaced. In this context, the quote can be seen as a commentary on the multifaceted impact of deprivation and disenfranchisement on a person's ability to navigate and understand the world around them.

From a global perspective, the quote resonates with the ongoing challenges of food insecurity and poverty faced by millions of people around the world. According to the World Food Programme, an estimated 690 million people go to bed hungry each night, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating food shortages and pushing more individuals into hunger and poverty. Kingston's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching consequences of hunger and the urgent need for collective action to address food insecurity on a global scale.

In conclusion, Maxine Hong Kingston's quote encapsulates the profound influence of hunger on individuals and societies. By highlighting the ways in which hunger changes not only an individual's physical well-being but also their perception of the world, the quote prompts reflection on the broader societal implications of food insecurity and the personal struggles of those experiencing hunger. Through its evocative language, the quote serves as a call to action to address the complex and interconnected issues of poverty, inequality, and access to food, emphasizing the need for empathy, understanding, and meaningful intervention to alleviate hunger and its pervasive impact.