Margaret Mead

Margaret Mead (1901-1978) was an American anthropologist, writer, and curator. She is known for her groundbreaking Coming of Age in Samoa. She theorized that 'personality is formed through cultural conditioning, rather than heredity alone'. She was awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1979.

Wisdom & Quotes

• In this country, some people start being miserable about growing old while they are still young.
• Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
• If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognise the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric,

one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place.
- Coming of Age in Samoa

• It may be necessary temporarily to accept a lesser evil, but one must never label a necessary evil as good.
• Women want mediocre men and men are working hard to be as mediocre as possible..

- in Quote Magazine, May 15, 1958

• Man's role is uncertain, undefined, and perhaps unnecessary.

- Male and Female

• The negative cautions of science are never popular.

- Coming of Age in Samoa

Cecilia Meireles
Langston Hughes