Eric Wolf
A prominent historical anthropologist known for his work on power, political economy, and the historical connections between different societies.
Quotes by Eric Wolf
Anthropologists must confront their own complicity in colonial narratives.
Life's meaning lies in understanding the chains that bind us to others.
The fur trade was the cradle of capitalism in the Americas.
Wit in anthropology: Why study tribes when the real jungle is Wall Street?
Peasants revolt not because they are poor, but because they are squeezed.
Globalization is just the latest chapter in the book of exploitation.
The self is a product of social relations, not a solitary island.
In my travels, I learned that borders are illusions drawn by the powerful.
Anthropology without history is like a body without bones.
The mode of production shapes the mode of thought.
Dear colleague, our discipline must evolve or perish in irrelevance.
On death: I've seen enough cycles of history to know endings are beginnings.
Humor in fieldwork: Locals think we're the aliens.
Kinship is the glue of society, but capital is the solvent.
Wisdom comes from seeing the world not as it is, but as it connects.
The silent majority of history are those without history.
In interviews, I always say: Culture is what we do with power.
Life's profound lesson: We are all products of forces beyond our control.
The plantation system was slavery rebranded.
A witty retort to critics: If anthropology is useless, why do empires fear it?