“The problem they had to solve was the same as any messianic movement: how to exist with an alien culture yet remain spiritually autonomous.”
Man's Rise to Civilization (1968)
Context: The Ghost Dance made its unfulfillable promises at a time when the Indians were ready to rebel. The teachings of the Native American Church spread at a time when the Indians were ready to admit defeat.... The problem they had to solve was the same as any messianic movement: how to exist with an alien culture yet remain spiritually autonomous. The solution had been to borrow freely from White culture while salvaging what is considered important in Indian religious thought.<!-- p. 269
Help us to complete the source, original and additional information
Peter Farb 92
American academic and writer 1929–1980Related quotes
Man's Rise to Civilization (1968)
Context: The Indians have not only refused to vanish, but have... managed to salvage a part of their native culture through revitalization and messianic movements.... they are of further interest to anthropologists for the light they shed on such movements in general.<!-- p. 271

Elements of Refusal (1988)

Attributed in Talent Development for English Language Learners: Identifying and Developing Potential (2013) by Michael S. Matthews, Ph.D. SBN-13:9781618211057
2000s
Variant: Never ever depend on governments or institutions to solve any major problems. All social change comes from the passion of individuals.

In 'De Nieuwe beelding in de Schilderkunst', Piet Mondriaan, 'De Stijl' No. 1, October 1917, p. 54
1910's

“The easiest way to solve a problem is to deny it exists.”
Section 3, Chapter 10, p. 236
The Gods Themselves (1972)

“Any problem solved is a new problem made.”
Podcast Series 5 Episode 1
On Life
Source: 1960s - 1970s, The Systems Approach (1968), p. x