The definition of words like “culture” and “civilization” are as important as they are controversial. Kenneth Clarke created a legendary series for the BBC, Civilisation, in the late 1960s, a revival of which, Civilisations, aired a few years ago with an eye toward a more global view than its acclaimed predecessor. Likewise, the definition of “culture” has evolved in recent decades to be more inclusive.
What Is “Culture?”
Culture is best thought of as a checklist of things that might be included in a definition rather than an inclusive list of things that must be. Items that can make up a culture include:
- Art
- Literature
- Music
- Architecture
- Economic life
- Public spaces
- Shared language(s)
- Shared history
- Shared traditions
- Political structures
Why Does it Matter?
Defining what we consider to be “culture” helps us define who we are, what we care about, and what we respect in others the same way. Throughout history, different nations and cultures have denied one another legitimacy, regarding each other as “savages” without “culture,” with disastrous consequences.
Cultures are like species – they evolve naturally over time but cannot do so if they are driven to extinction. On the other hand, cultures are beautiful in large part by virtue of their differences. Different cultures see the world in different ways, and that diversity of vantage points allows us a kaleidoscope of perspectives, any number of which could prove beneficial at any given moment.
In turn, learning to value different cultures can help us value our own. Learning to respect one another’s stories and histories can help us develop an appreciation of what we are missing in life as well as what we have that others lack. Cultural exchange can help members from different parts of the world begin to see things in new ways, which in turn helps generate greater global cooperation.
Above all, culture is the shared mark we leave on others and ourselves. The better we get at understanding different cultures, the better we can get at understanding our own communities and ourselves, and better appreciate the mark we leave on those around us and the world at large.