Taboos, though unadmitted, are potent. What is it that…
““Taboos, though unadmitted, are potent. What is it that people fear? What they don't understand. The civilized man is not a whit different from the savage in this respect. The new always carries with it the sense of violation, of sacrilege. What is dead is sacred; what is new, that is, different, is evil, dangerous, or subversive.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Taboos arise from fear of the unknown; new ideas are often seen as dangerous or sacrilegious.
In simple terms: Fear makes people label unfamiliar things as evil.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about what is considered taboo.
Themes
fear
novelty
culture
taboo
Mood
curious
critical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- introducing innovations
- challenging traditions
- cross‑cultural dialogue
- artistic expression
Key Concepts
anthropology
psychology
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What taboo could be re‑examined for progress?
- How do you respond when faced with the unfamiliar?
A Different Perspective
Taboos can protect social cohesion, so dismissing them outright may cause conflict.