The Interpretation of Cultures
The Interpretation of Cultures
Clifford Geertz
Brad Delong
Brad Delong recommended this book in his website.
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The Interpretation of Cultures

The Interpretation of Cultures

Clifford Geertz
By
Clifford Geertz
4.1
3735
ratings on Goodreads

In "The Interpretation of Cultures," Clifford Geertz embarks on a transformative journey to redefine the boundaries of anthropology, introducing a novel and profound concept of culture that has since become a cornerstone in the field. With unmatched eloquence and depth, Geertz delves into the complex tapestry of human societies, arguing that culture is a web of meanings woven by individuals in their collective endeavor to make sense of the world around them. Through a series of compelling essays, he illustrates how cultural symbols and rituals are not mere expressions of social customs but are indeed the very tools through which societies navigate their existence, negotiate their identities, and articulate their core values. This seminal work, honored with the 1974 Sorokin Award by the American Sociological Association, transcends the conventional confines of anthropology to offer readers a lens through which to view culture as an intricate play of meanings. Geertz's masterful use of ethnographic detail and his insightful analyses invite us to consider not just the diversity of cultures, but the shared human endeavor to imbue our lives with significance. "The Interpretation of Cultures" is not merely an academic text; it is a vibrant invitation to perceive the world and its myriad cultures with renewed curiosity, empathy, and understanding.

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Released
1973
1 Jan
Length
480
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

Brad Delong recommended this book in his website.
There is an Indian story -- at least I heard it as an Indian story -- about an Englishman who, having been told that the world rested on a platform which rested on the back of an elephant which rested in turn on the back of a turtle, asked (perhaps he was an ethnographer; it is the way they behave), what did the turtle rest on? Another turtle. And that turtle? 'Ah, Sahib, after that it is turtles all the way down
— Clifford Geertz, The Interpretation of Cultures

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