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Borrowing Quote by Stephen Pinker

“Preserving cultural diversity is considered a supreme virtue today, but the members of the diverse subcultures don't always see it that way. People have wants and needs, and when cultures rub shoulders, people in one culture are bound to notice when their neighbors are satisfying those those…” quote by Stephen Pinker
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““Preserving cultural diversity is considered a supreme virtue today, but the members of the diverse subcultures don't always see it that way. People have wants and needs, and when cultures rub shoulders, people in one culture are bound to notice when their neighbors are satisfying those those desires better than they are. When they do notice, history tells us, they shamelessly borrow wherever works best.””

Stephen Pinker

About This Quote

Source Speech: Public Lecture on Cultural Evolution, 2015

Cultural diversity is valued, yet groups often envy others' successes, leading to selective borrowing.

In simple terms: People copy what works, even if they claim to value diversity.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address envy in cultural exchange.

Themes

cultural diversity envy social dynamics

Mood

analytical critical

Type

observational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • business competition
  • media consumption
  • fashion trends
  • language adoption

Key Concepts

anthropology psychology sociology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives the desire to imitate?
  • How can we balance appreciation and imitation?
A Different Perspective

Borrowing can erode authentic cultural identity.

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