If we were to select the most intelligent, imaginative, energetic, and emotionally stable third of mankind, all races would be present.
—Franz Boas
The behavior of an individual is determined not by his racial affiliation, but by the character of his ancestry and his cultural environment.
—Franz Boas
Courtesy, modesty, good manners, conformity to definite ethical standards are universal, but what constitutes courtesy, modesty, good manners, and definite ethical standards is not universal. It is instructive to know that standards differ in the most unexpected ways,
—Franz Boas
The passion for seeking the truth for truth’s sake…can be kept alive only if we continue to seek the truth for truth’s sake.
—Franz Boas
I believe the present state of our knowledge justifies us in saying that, while individuals differ, biological differences are small. There is no reason to believe that one race is by nature so much more intelligent, endowed with great will power, or emotionally more stable than another that the difference would materially influence its culture.
—Franz Boas
No one has ever proved that a human being, through his descent from a certain group of people, must of necessity have certain mental characteristics.
—Franz Boas
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Carol Dweck American Psychologist
Konrad Adenauer German Statesman
Margaret Mead American Cultural Anthropologist
Heinrich Heine German Poet, Writer
Stephen Jay Gould American Paleontologist
Berthold Auerbach German Novelist
Edward Thorndike American Psychologist
Henry Steele Commager American Historian
Murray Gell-Mann American Physicist
Mark Van Doren American Poet, Critic