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Modern anthropology has taught us, through comparative investigation of so-called primitive cultures, that the social behavior of human beings may differ greatly, depending upon prevailing cultural patterns and the types of organisation which predominate in society. It is on this that those who are striving to improve the lot of man may ground their hopes: human beings are not condemned, because of their biological constitution, to annihilate each other or to be at the mercy of a cruel, self-inflicted fate.

Albert Einstein#150

SocietyHuman natureBehaviorCulture

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About this quote

What does it mean?
Human behavior varies widely by culture, suggesting we are not biologically doomed to conflict or self-destruction.
In plain terms
Different cultures shape different behaviors, proving we are not destined by biology to destroy each other.
What can you take from it?
Culture shapes human behavior more than biology does.

Where it applies

  • studying cultural differences
  • discussing human potential

Putting it to work

  • focus on cultural reform
  • avoid biological determinism

Questions to consider

  • To what extent is human nature fixed?
  • How can cultural change reduce conflict?

Another view

It may underestimate how much biology limits or drives behavior.

More from Albert Einstein

  1. The state is made for man, not man for the state. And in this respect science resembles the state.

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  2. The owner of the means of production is in a position to purchase the labor power of the worker. By using the means of production, the worker produces new good…

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  3. Nationalism is an infantile disease. It is the measles of mankind.

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