Cows, Pigs, Wars And Witches: The Riddels Of Culture by Marvin Harris
The Riddles of Culture
This thought-provoking exploration delves into the seemingly irrational aspects of human culture, offering a compelling analysis of how economic and environmental factors shape societal norms and practices. By examining various cultural phenomena, such as the sacred status of cows in India, the taboo against pork in the Middle East, the origins of warfare, and the persecution of witches in Europe, the book argues that these cultural riddles are not random but rather adaptive responses to specific ecological and social conditions. Through a materialist lens, it challenges readers to reconsider the underlying reasons behind cultural traditions and beliefs, revealing the intricate interplay between human behavior and the environment.
The 16404th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1974
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 221
- Original Language
- English
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- Alternate Titles
- None
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- 2824th on Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)