Cultural diversity Quote by Steven Pinker
““But traditional cultures can change, too, and more dramatically than most people realize. Preserving cultural diversity is considered a supreme virtue today, but the members of the diverse cultures 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 desires better than they are. When they do notice, history tells us, they shamelessly borrow whatever works best. Far from being self-preserving monoliths, cultures are porous and constantly in flux.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Better Angels of Our Nature, 2011
Cultures evolve through borrowing and adaptation, not static preservation.
In simple terms: Cultures change by adopting useful ideas from others.
Key Takeaway
Embrace cultural exchange and innovation.
Themes
culture
change
exchange
adaptation
diversity
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- globalization
- immigration
- technology adoption
- business competition
Key Concepts
memetics
cultural diffusion
social learning
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance tradition with innovation?
- What influences make you adopt foreign practices?
A Different Perspective
Cultural resistance can hinder beneficial adoption.
