E. E. Evans-Pritchard

The Nuer's concept of 'blood-feud' is a complex system of justice and conflict resolution.

The anthropologist must be open to new ideas and willing to challenge conventional wisdom.

The Nuer's relationship with their environment is deeply intertwined with their religious beliefs.

Social anthropology is a critical discipline, questioning assumptions and revealing hidden power structures.

The Azande's social organization is shaped by their beliefs about witchcraft and magic.

The Nuer's oral traditions are a rich source of information about their history and culture.

The anthropologist must be a skilled writer, able to communicate complex ideas clearly and engagingly.

The Nuer's religious practices are not static, but adapt to changing circumstances.

Social anthropology is a challenging but rewarding field of study.

The Azande's worldview is internally consistent, even if it differs from our own.

The Nuer's social life is characterized by a strong emphasis on reciprocity and mutual aid.

The notion of witchcraft provides a philosophy of life in which the contradictions between empirical observation and mystical belief are reconciled.

Azande see as we see the physical causes of death, but they also see as we do not see the mystical causes.

Witchcraft is a commonplace happening and it is believed to explain almost every unfortunate event.

The Azande have no conception of sin or of morality as we understand it.

In Zande society, the oracle is the ultimate arbiter in disputes.

The Nuer have no government in the sense that we understand it.

Among the Nuer, the segmentary lineage system provides a framework for social order without centralized authority.

The Nuer conception of the spiritual is not separate from the social.

Anthropology is not a science in the strict sense, but a humane study.