Franz Boas

The object of anthropology is to understand the human mind.

Civilization is not something absolute, but is relative, and our ideas and conceptions are true only so far as our civilization goes.

The historical development of cultures is not determined by race, but by environmental and historical factors.

The data of ethnology prove that not only our knowledge but also our emotions are the result of the social conditions under which we live.

The concept of 'primitive man' is a misnomer, as all human societies are complex and have a long history of development.

The aim of anthropology is to make the world safe for human differences.

The most important contribution that anthropology can make is to teach us to be tolerant of differences.

The idea of a pure race is a delusion.

Culture is not a fixed entity, but is constantly changing and adapting.

The study of man is the study of human behavior in its cultural context.

The value of anthropology is that it helps us to understand ourselves by understanding others.

The scientific method is the only way to arrive at objective truth.

The human mind is capable of infinite variation and adaptation.

We must be careful not to impose our own cultural biases on the study of other cultures.

The concept of race has no scientific basis.

The study of language is essential to the understanding of culture.

Language is a mirror of the human mind.

The diversity of human languages reflects the diversity of human thought.

Every language is a complete and perfect means of expression.

The study of folklore is important for understanding the history and beliefs of a people.