The existence of any pure race with special endowments is a myth, as is the belief that there are races all of whose members are foredoomed to eterna…

- Franz Boas

Courtesy, modesty, good manners, conformity to definite ethical standards are universal, but what constitutes courtesy, modesty, good manners, and de…

- 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

It is our task to inquire into the causes that have brought about the observed differentiation, and to investigate the sequence of events that have l…

- Franz Boas

There is no fundamental difference in the ways of thinking of primitive and civilized man. A close connection between race and personality has never …

- Franz Boas

The disease of mutual distrust among nations is the bane of modern civilization

- Franz Boas

If we were to select the most intelligent, imaginative, energetic, and emotionally stable third of mankind, all races would be present.

- Franz Boas

We all know scientists who in private life do not come up to the standard of truthfulness, but who, nevertheless, would not consciously falsify the r…

- 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