Cannibals Quote by Caitlin Doughty
““The Greek historian Herodotus, writing over two thousand years ago, produced one of the first descriptions of one culture getting worked up over the death rituals of another. In the story, the ruler of the Persian Empire summons a group of Greeks before him. Since they cremate their dead, the king wonders, "What would [it] take [for them] to eat their dead fathers?" The Greeks balk at this question, explaining that no price in the world would be high enough to turn them into cannibals. Next, the king summons a group of Callatians, known for eating the bodies of their dead. He asks, "What price would make them burn their dead fathers with fire?" The Callatians beg him not to mention "such horrors!””
About This Quote
Source Book: Mortality: The Book of the Dead by Caitlin Doughty, 2012
The anecdote shows how cultural taboos shape moral judgments and that what is abhorrent to one society may be normal to another.
In simple terms: Cultural norms dictate what we find acceptable or repulsive.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and respect cultural differences.
Themes
culture
morality
taboos
anthropology
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- cross‑cultural negotiations
- museum curation
- funeral practices
- international diplomacy
Key Concepts
cultural relativism
ethical frameworks
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we navigate ethical dilemmas when cultures clash?
- What criteria should guide us in judging another culture’s practices?
A Different Perspective
Assuming one culture’s standards are universal can cause conflict.
