"The biological fact of race and the myth of "race" should be distinguished. For all practical social purposes "race" is not so much a biological phenomenon as a social myth. The myth "race" has created an enormous amount of human and social damage. In recent years it has taken a heavy toll in human lives and caused untold suffering. It still prevents the normal development of millions of human beings and deprives civilization of the effective co-operation of productive minds. The biological differences between ethnic groups should be disregarded from the standpoint of social acceptance and social action. The unity of mankind from both the biological and social viewpoint is the main thing. To recognize this and to act accordingly is the first requirement of modern man."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Julian Huxley, "The Race Question", sec. 14, UNESCO and its Programme, Vol. 3 (1950)
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Race_(human_categorisation)
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Race (human categorisation)
Race is a categorisation of humans based on shared physical or social qualities into groups generally viewed as distinct within a given society. The term came into common usage during the 16th century, when it was used to refer to groups of various kinds, including those characterised by close kinship relations. By the 17th century, the term began to refer to physical (phenotypical) traits, and then later to national affiliations. Modern science regards race as a social construct, an identity wh
29 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Race (human categorisation) →
Related Quotes
"I prefer not to use the term race, for race is a thing much more obscure and difficult to determine than is usually i…"
"The darkness of her Oriental eye Accorded with her Moorish origin (Her blood was not all Spanish, by the by; In Spain…"
"If we are to have that harmony and tranquility, that union of spirit which is the foundation of real national genius …"
"Fleecy locks and black complexion Cannot forfeit nature’s claim; Skins may differ, but affection Dwells in white and …"
"At some future period, not very distant as measured by centuries, the civilised races of man will almost certainly ex…"
"It may be doubted whether any character can be named which is distinctive of a race and is constant."
"All races and varieties of men are improvable. This is the grand distinguishing attribute of humanity, and separates …"
"Races and varieties of the human family appear and disappear, but humanity remains and will remain forever... [P]eopl…"
"My father was a mulatto, my grandfather was a negro, and my great-grandfather was an ape; my pedigree began where you…"
"Am I not a man and a brother?"