Man is not committed in detail by his biological constitution to any particular variety of behavior.
Ruth BenedictThe Japanese are, to the highest degree, both aggressive and unaggressive, both militaristic and aesthetic, both insolent and polite, rigid and adaptable, submissive and resentful of being pushed around, loyal and treacherous, brave and timid, conservative and hospitable to new ways.
Ruth BenedictThe life history of the individual is first and foremost an accommodation to the patterns and standards traditionally handed down in his community
Ruth BenedictThe adequate study of culture, our own and those on the opposite side of the globe, can press on to fulfillment only as we learn today from the humanities as well as from the scientists.
Ruth Benedict