Pitirim Sorokin
Russian-American sociologist who theorized cultural cycles and the importance of altruistic love in society.
Most quoted
"Our age is not an age of peace, but an age of wars, revolutions, and social upheavals. It is an age of transition, an age of crisis, an age of disintegration of old values and the emergence of new ones."
— from Social and Cultural Dynamics, 1937
"The main task of sociology is to discover the universal and enduring principles of social life, to understand the forces that shape human societies, and to predict their future development."
— from Contemporary Sociological Theories, 1928
"Sociology, like any science, must be based on rigorous empirical research and logical analysis, but it must also be informed by a deep understanding of human nature and the human condition."
— from Contemporary Sociological Theories, 1928
All quotes by Pitirim Sorokin (102)
History teaches that empires rise on virtue and fall on vice.
The scientist without a moral compass is a sorcerer.
Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice.
Cultural renewal begins with individual transformation.
Laughter is the soul's brief escape from sorrow.
In the twilight of sensate culture, ideational light dawns.
Marriage is a sacred contract, not a mere convenience.
The wise man sees the whole, not just the parts.
Rebellion against tyranny requires moral fortitude.
Art flourishes where the spirit is free.
The heart's generosity outlives material wealth.
Societal progress is measured by human dignity.
Faith without works is a hollow echo.
The end of life is not death, but legacy.
Critics of society often become its unwitting architects.
Love transforms enemies into brothers.
In chaos, the seeds of order are sown.
The mind's eye sees beyond the horizon of senses.
Humor lightens the burden of truth.
Ultimate reality is grasped through intuition and reason combined.
Contemporaries of Pitirim Sorokin
Other Sociologys born within 50 years of Pitirim Sorokin (1889–1968).