Benefits Quote by Franz Boas
![“Its [the anthropological method] power to make us understand the roots from which our civilization has sprung, that it impresses us with the relative value of all forms of culture, and thus serves as a check to an exaggerated valuation of the standpoint of our own period, which we are only too…” quote by Franz Boas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1dc/franz-boas-23198_benefits_its-the-anthropological-method-power-to_1731142.jpg)
“Its [the anthropological method] power to make us understand the roots from which our civilization has sprung, that it impresses us with the relative value of all forms of culture, and thus serves as a check to an exaggerated valuation of the standpoint of our own period, which we are only too liable to consider the ultimate goal of human evolution, thus depriving ourselves of the benefits to be gained from the teachings of other cultures and hindering an objective criticism of our own work.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Mind of Primitive Man, Franz Boas, 1911
The method reveals cultural origins, balances our bias toward present values, and encourages learning from other societies to critique our own work.
In simple terms: Cultural study shows bias and teaches humility.
Key Takeaway
Seek diverse perspectives.
Themes
culture
bias
humility
critical thinking
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- policy making
- international relations
- media analysis
Key Concepts
anthropology
relativism
historical context
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your culture limit your view?
- What can other cultures teach you?
A Different Perspective
May overlook internal cultural strengths.
![“[The Dalai Lama] told me some years ago, "I've made every concession to China, and I've been as open and tolerant as I could, and still things get worse in Tibet." If you look at it from one point of view, as he himself says, his monastic position of forbearance and nonviolence hasn't reaped any…” quote by Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9fe/pico-iyer-1252_benefits_the-dalai-lama-told-me-some-years-ago-i_678.jpg)
