Bronisław Malinowski

The study of art in primitive societies reveals profound aesthetic sensibilities.

The anthropologist must be a good writer to convey the richness of cultural life.

The functional theory provides a basis for applied anthropology.

The native's understanding of the world is shaped by their unique cultural heritage.

The study of technology in primitive societies demonstrates ingenuity and adaptation.

The anthropologist must be a keen observer of non-verbal communication.

The functional theory helps us to avoid simplistic explanations of cultural phenomena.

The native's social organization is often highly complex and sophisticated.

The study of education in primitive societies reveals diverse methods of knowledge transmission.

The anthropologist must be able to synthesize vast amounts of data into a coherent picture.

The functional theory emphasizes the practical utility of cultural elements.

The final goal, of course, is to grasp the native's point of view, his relation to life, to realize his vision of his world.

Anthropology is the science which studies man in his entirety.

The ethnographer's magic consists in his ability to penetrate into the native's soul.

In human life, institutions are the sinews of action.

The functional view of culture insists therefore upon the principle that in every type of civilization, every custom, material object, idea and belief fulfills some vital function.

Freedom is the most precious possession of man.

The savage speaks English with a strange accent, but his thoughts are as clear as ours.

Culture is the handiwork of man, and must be studied as such.

To study the institutions, customs, and codes... we have to adopt the method of direct and active participant observation.