"The man of science, like the man of letters, is too apt to view mankind only in the abstract, selecting in his consideration only a single side of our complex and many-sided being"

In this quote by James G. Frazer, the author draws a parallel in between researchers and literary scholars, recommending a common propensity to see humankind in an abstract or fragmented manner. Frazer suggests that both groups, in their pursuit of specialization or focused research study, might ignore the complexity and complex nature of human beings.

Frazer begins by determining "the guy of science" and "the man of letters"-- representatives of scientific and literary disciplines, respectively. These people, in their dedication to their fields, frequently prioritize neutrality, analysis, and detail. However, this pursuit can lead them to consider humankind in a limited or particular method, stopping working to appreciate the complete depth and breadth of human experience.

The use of the word "abstract" recommends a level of detachment. Scientists, in their mission to categorize, measure, and develop theories, may lower people to information points, physiological procedures, or behavioral patterns. Likewise, literary scholars might analyze texts and stories, focusing on styles, symbols, and structures, potentially neglecting the lived and deeply personal elements of those stories as they refer to genuine people.

Frazer's assertion highlights the danger of oversimplification. By "picking in his factor to consider just a single side of our complex and many-sided being", both the scientist and the scholar may neglect the richness of humanity. People are not one-dimensional; they are affected by feelings, cultural contexts, historical scenarios, and personal experiences.

Frazer's observation is a call for a more holistic method to understanding mankind, one that integrates several perspectives and considers the person as an entire instead of a sum of parts. It serves as a suggestion of the limitations intrinsic in any single discipline and the value of interdisciplinary approaches that can cultivate a more detailed and empathetic understanding of humanity.