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)
Wisdom: 'True progress is not in wealth, but in the power to sustain life.'
Humor: 'I'm not a Marxist, but culture does have its material base!'
Final reflection: 'My life's work: Proving culture is no illusion, but a force.'
Contemporaries of Leslie White
Other Anthropologys born within 50 years of Leslie White (1900–1975).