Leslie White
American anthropologist who theorized cultural evolution driven by energy capture and technology.
Most quoted
"Culture is an organization of phenomena—acts (patterns of behavior), objects (tools; things made with tools), ideas (beliefs, knowledge), and sentiments (attitudes, values)—that is dependent upon the use of symbols."
— from The Science of Culture, 1949
"Culture evolves as the amount of energy harnessed per capita per year increases, or as the efficiency of the instrumental means of putting the energy to work increases."
— from The Science of Culture, 1949
"Energy, whether in the form of solar radiation or fossil fuels, is the key to cultural development."
— from Energy and the Evolution of Culture, 1943
All quotes by Leslie White (103)
The symbol is the foundation of all human culture.
Culture is a dynamic and ever-changing phenomenon.
The evolution of culture is a process of increasing control over the environment.
The human mind is a cultural construct.
Culture is a system of shared meanings.
The technological system is the engine of cultural evolution.
The symbol is the means by which man transcends his biological limitations.
Culture is a product of human interaction.
The evolution of culture is a process of increasing efficiency.
The human being is a cultural animal.
Culture is the sum total of all the learned behavior patterns acquired by man.
Technology is the manifestation in human life of our rational minds.
The evolution of culture is the growth of the power of man over nature.
Energy, whether in the form of solar radiation or fossil fuels, is the key to cultural development.
Man's capacity to symbolize is the foundation of all culture.
Culture evolves through stages defined by technological levels.
The history of culture is the story of the harnessing of energy.
Anthropology must be a science, not a collection of folklore.
Symboling is what distinguishes man from beast.
Cultural systems are superorganic entities.
Contemporaries of Leslie White
Other Anthropologys born within 50 years of Leslie White (1900–1975).