What fetters the mind and benumbs the spirit is ever the dogged acceptance of absolutes.

Nonverbal communication is an elaborate secret code that is written nowhere, known by none, and understood by all.

Cultural anthropology is more and more rapidly getting to realize itself as a strictly historical science.

Comparison of statements made at different periods frequently enable us to give maximal and minimal dates to the appearance of a cultural element or to assign the time limits to a movement of population.

National languages are all huge systems of vested interests which sullenly resist critical inquiry.

A common creation demands a common sacrifice, and perhaps not the least potent argument in favour of a constructed international language is the fact that it is equally foreign, or apparently so, to the traditions of all nationalities.

The fact of the matter is that the 'real world' is to a large extent unconsciously built up on the language habits of the group.