Bidding Quote by Herodotus
““For if one should propose to all men a choice, bidding them select the best customs from all the customs that there are, each race of men, after examining them all, would select those of their own people; thus all think that their own customs are by far the best.””
About This Quote
Source Historical Text: Histories, Book 1, 5th century BC
People tend to believe their own customs are superior after comparing them with others, showing cultural bias and ethnocentrism.
In simple terms: People think their customs are best.
Key Takeaway
Recognize cultural bias.
Themes
cultural bias
ethnocentrism
comparative anthropology
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- travel
- cross‑cultural research
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
anthropology
social identity
in-group favoritism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we fairly evaluate different customs?
- What methods reduce ethnocentric judgments?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all cultures are comparable in the same framework.
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