Who said “If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the…”?

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Margaret Mead. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceSex and Temperament in Three Primitive Societies (1935)

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“If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize 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.”
— Margaret Mead
VerifiedSex and Temperament in Three Primitive Societies (1935) · evidencePurpose

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Sex and Temperament in Three Primitive Societies (1935).

APA

Mead, M. (n.d.). If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize 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. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/35132-if-we-are-to-achieve-a-richer-culture/

MLA

Mead, Margaret. “If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize 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.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/35132-if-we-are-to-achieve-a-richer-culture/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Mead, Margaret. “If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize 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.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/35132-if-we-are-to-achieve-a-richer-culture/.

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“The institution of marriage in all societies is a pattern within which the strains put by civilization on males and females alike must be resolved, a pattern within which men must learn, in return for a variety of elaborate rewards, new forms in which sexual spontaneity is still possible, and women must learn to discipline their receptivity to a thousand other considerations.”
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“Coming to terms with the rhythms of women's lives means coming to terms with life itself, accepting the imperatives of the body rather than the imperatives of an artificial, man-made, perhaps transcendentally beautiful civilization. Emphasis on the male work-rhythm is an emphasis on infinite possibilities; emphasis on the female rhythms is an emphasis on a defined pattern, on limitation.”
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“When human beings have been fascinated by the contemplation of their own hearts, the more intricate biological pattern of the female has become a model for the artist, the mystic, and the saint. When mankind turns instead to what can be done, altered, built, invented, in the outer world, all natural properties of men, animals, or metals become handicaps to be altered rather than clues to be followed.”
VerifiedQuote magazine (15 June 1958) · evidenceDetails & citeBody
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“Sooner or later I'm going to die, but I'm not going to retire.”
Retirement
All 28 Margaret Mead quotes →