Franz Boas

Anthropology has reached that point of maturation where the careful investigation of facts shakes our firm belief in the far-reaching theories that have been built up.

The mental characteristics of the race are the product of the culture.

Freedom is the most precious possession of man.

The diversity of cultures should be respected and studied without prejudice.

In the course of time, the forms of social organization change, but the fundamental needs of man remain the same.

It is our duty as scientists to combat the forces of ignorance and prejudice.

The study of man requires the comparative method.

Every culture has its own values, and no one is superior to another.

The anthropologist must be both observer and participant.

History is not a mere chronicle of events, but a study of human actions and their consequences.

The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.

In science, we must question everything.

The soul of man is shaped by his environment.

True progress comes from understanding differences, not erasing them.

Anthropology teaches us that humanity is one, despite our variations.

The field worker must immerse himself in the life of the people he studies.

Prejudice is the child of ignorance.

The evolution of culture is a complex process, not a simple progression.

We must preserve the languages of vanishing peoples.

Science demands skepticism and verification.