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The article argues that Marcel Mauss, just as Max Weber, and only they, have a very special place among the sociological classics. This is because they, more than any of their contemporaries, recognised the problems generated by modern science and technology, and especially by the presumed need to imitate the methods of the “natural” sciences. While for Weber this meant a perennial conflict with the dominant neo-Kantian forces of German philosophy, especially Rickert, for Mauss it meant the even more difficult distancing from Durkheim, his uncle and mentor. It also implied the tragically broken character of the career of both. But it also implies that their work has still great untapped value for us, in our current situation, when the problems with the modern world, especially its science and technology are better visible than ever. The article substantiates its claims by a close analysis of two of Mauss’ most important essays, on magic (written with Henri Hubert, his “twin brother”), and on prayer, focusing on the interplay between, and the social aspects of, magic, religion and science, in rituals of sacrifice and prayer. It closes by briefly addressing the relevance of the closely connected essays on gift and bolshevism.