Theory not only formulates what we know but also tells us what we want to know, that is, the questions to which an answer is needed.

- Talcott Parsons

Sociology should... be thought of as a science of action-of the ultimate common value element in its relations to the other elements of action.

- Talcott Parsons

Empirical interest will be in the facts so far as they are relevant to the solution of these problems.

- Talcott Parsons

The part an actor played on stage was once written on a separate roll of paper.

- Talcott Parsons

Science is intimately integrated with the whole social structure and cultural tradition. They mutually support one other-only in certain types of soc…

- Talcott Parsons

A gloss is a total system of perception and language.

- Talcott Parsons

The importance of certain problems concerning the facts will be inherent in the structure of the system.

- Talcott Parsons

If observed facts of undoubted accuracy will not fit any of the alternatives it leaves open, the system itself is in need of reconstruction.

- Talcott Parsons

If capitalism begins as the practical idealism of the aspiring bourgeoisie, it ends ... as an orgy of materialism.

- Talcott Parsons