Clifford Geertz: RIP

Clifford Geertz died on the 30th. He will be remembered as a great anthropologist. I first read "The Interpretation of Cultures" in the 80's and it greatly influenced my thinking on how societies use symbols and how those symbols are communicated. I also learned the word "meme" from Dr Geertz.

From the obituary:

"Peter Goddard, Director of the Institute, said, "Clifford Geertz was one of the major intellectual figures of the twentieth century whose presence at the Institute played a crucial role in its development and in determining its present shape. He remained a vital force, contributing to the life of the Institute right up to his death. We have all lost a much loved friend."

"Cliff was the founder of the School of Social Science and its continuing inspiration," stated Joan Wallach Scott, Harold F. Linder Professor in the School of Social Science at the Institute. "His influence on generations of scholars was powerful and lasting. He changed the direction of thinking in many fields by pointing to the importance and complexity of culture and the need for its interpretation. We will miss his critical intelligence, his great sense of irony, and his friendship."