Clifford Geertz

Date of Birth: August 23, 1926

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: October 30, 2006

Biography

Clifford James Geertz was an influential American anthropologist who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in cultural anthropology. Born on August 23, 1926, in San Francisco, California, Geertz’s work focused on the interpretation of cultures in a way that emphasized the importance of context and meaning. He received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Antioch College in 1950 and later earned a Ph.D. in anthropology from Harvard University in 1956. Geertz is renowned for his pioneering work in symbolic anthropology and his influential book “The Interpretation of Cultures” (1973), which introduced the concept of “thick description.” This approach emphasized the need for detailing the context to understand the cultural significance of social actions and symbols. Over his career, Geertz conducted extensive fieldwork in Indonesia and Morocco, exploring diverse cultural practices and religious beliefs. He held various academic positions, including a long tenure at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, where he was a professor emeritus at the time of his death. Geertz’s contributions to anthropology have had a lasting impact on the field, influencing scholars across disciplines and sparking new debates on culture, meaning, and interpretation.

5 Interesting Facts about Clifford Geertz

1. Clifford Geertz introduced the concept of “thick description” in anthropology, which has become a foundational method for cultural analysis.

2. He conducted extensive fieldwork in Indonesia and Morocco, focusing on religion, symbolism, and social structures.

3. Geertz was awarded the National Book Critics Circle Award for his book “The Interpretation of Cultures” in 1973.

4. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and held numerous honorary degrees from prestigious institutions.

5. Geertz’s work has influenced not only anthropology but also sociology, history, and literary studies, contributing significantly to interdisciplinary research.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Clifford Geertz

1. “Man is an animal suspended in webs of significance he himself has spun.”

2. “Culture is the fabric of meaning in terms of which human beings interpret their experience and guide their action.”

3. “Thick description is not a matter of more and more facts but of more and more interpretation.”

4. “The aim is to draw large conclusions from small, but very densely textured facts.”

5. “Understanding a people’s culture exposes their normalness without reducing their particularity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Clifford Geertz’s net worth is not publicly documented, as he was primarily an academic and researcher rather than a commercial figure. However, his intellectual contributions have had an immeasurable impact on the field of anthropology.