Classification systems are tools, not truths about how the w... - Jonathan Z. Smith

"Classification systems are tools, not truths about how the world is divided."

Jonathan Z. Smith Science

Historian of Religion American 1938–2017

More from Jonathan Z. Smith

"Religion is not about believing things. It is about belonging to things."

"The real issue is not belief, but belonging."

"Comparison is a fundamental cognitive tool."

"There is no data that is absolutely sacred."

"Science helps us understand the world."

"I've witnessed the birth of science, and it continues to amaze me."

"I'm something of a scientist myself."

"The fusion process is self-sustaining now!"