Clifford Geertz Quotes

A collection of quotes by Clifford Geertz.

Clifford Geertz (1926-2006) was an American anthropologist renowned for his significant contributions to the field of cultural anthropology. Born on August 23, 1926, in San Francisco, California, Geertz developed a keen interest in social sciences during his academic years. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Antioch College in 1950 and went on to pursue graduate studies at Harvard University, where he obtained his Ph.D. in Social Anthropology in 1956.

Geertz's research and writings focused on understanding various cultural systems and their interpretations. He emphasized the importance of thick description, a method that emphasizes capturing the intricacies and complexities of cultural practices and their contexts. His works emphasized the role of symbols, meaning, and interpretation in social life.

One of Geertz's most notable works is his book "The Interpretation of Cultures," published in 1973. In this influential work, he argued that culture should be understood as a system of symbols that people use to make sense of the world. Geertz's approach helped reshape the field of anthropology, particularly in terms of its focus on the study of meaning and interpretation within cultural contexts.

Throughout his career, Geertz taught at various prestigious institutions, including the University of Chicago and Princeton University. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to anthropology, including the prestigious Kyoto Prize in 1989. Clifford Geertz's works continue to be influential in the study of culture and interpretation and have left a lasting impact on the field of anthropology. He passed away on October 30, 2006, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.