Primitive Man as Philosopher Book

A classic of anthropology, this volume takes readers directly into an array of aboriginal cultures--Winnebago, Oglala Sioux, Maori, Banda, Batak, the Buin of Melanesia, Tahitian and Hawaiian, Zuni, and Ewe--to explore their belief systems. It examines the conditioning of thought that each society practices upon its members and the freedom of individuals to deviate from the group and to effect change. The text offers intensive discussion of methodological problems, such as determining cultural standards, with a firm basis in firsthand data (much of it obtained by the author). Fascinating subjects include cultural views of the purpose of life, marital relations, freedom of thought, death, resignation, the nature of reality, the structure of the ego, human personality, the systemization of ideas, and concepts of deities, in addition to a brilliant interpretation of myth and symbolism in terms of their meaning to each culture. Unabridged republication of the Dover revised, enlarged (1956) edition. Foreword by John Dewey. Bibliography. Index.Read More