Who said “Our system is the height of absurdity, since we treat the culprit both as a child, so as…”?

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Claude Levi-Strauss. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceTristes Tropiques (1955), Chapter 38 : A Little Glass of Rum, pp.388-389

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“Our system is the height of absurdity, since we treat the culprit both as a child, so as to have the right to punish him, and as an adult, in order to deny him consolation.”
— Claude Levi-Strauss
VerifiedTristes Tropiques (1955), Chapter 38 : A Little Glass of Rum, pp.388-389 · evidencePunishment

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Tristes Tropiques (1955), Chapter 38 : A Little Glass of Rum, pp.388-389.

APA

Levi-Strauss, C. (n.d.). Our system is the height of absurdity, since we treat the culprit both as a child, so as to have the right to punish him, and as an adult, in order to deny him consolation. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/35012-our-system-is-the-height-of-absurdity-since/

MLA

Levi-Strauss, Claude. “Our system is the height of absurdity, since we treat the culprit both as a child, so as to have the right to punish him, and as an adult, in order to deny him consolation.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/35012-our-system-is-the-height-of-absurdity-since/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Levi-Strauss, Claude. “Our system is the height of absurdity, since we treat the culprit both as a child, so as to have the right to punish him, and as an adult, in order to deny him consolation.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/35012-our-system-is-the-height-of-absurdity-since/.

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More quotes by Levi-Strauss

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Questions
“I therefore claim to show, not how men think in myths, but how myths operate in men's minds without their being aware of the fact.”
Myth
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All 11 Claude Levi-Strauss quotes →