In 'Cows, Pigs, Wars, and Witches', anthropologist Marvin Harris explores the bizarre and seemingly irrational cultural practices surrounding food, religion, and conflict. He delves into the reasons why certain animals are revered or reviled, revealing surprising truths about societal values. Harris connects dots between ancient superstitions and modern behaviors, suggesting that our choices are not always as random as they seem. This provocative work challenges readers to rethink their understanding of cultural taboos and ecological circumstances. Prepare for a journey that intertwines sociology, biology, and history in a way that will leave you questioning the world around you!
By Marvin Harris
Published: 1989
""To understand the choices that different cultures make, we must look beyond mere superstition or tradition; we must consider the ecological and social pressures that shape the beliefs and practices we often take for granted.""
One of America's leading anthropolgists offers solutions to the perplexing question of why people behave the way they do. Why do Hindus worship cows? Why do Jews and Moslems refuse to eat pork? Why did so many people in post-medieval Europe believe in witches? Marvin Harris answers these and other perplexing questions about human behavior, showing that no matter how bizarre a people's behavior may seem, it always stems from identifiable and intelligble sources.
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“"To understand the choices that different cultures make, we must look beyond mere superstition or tradition; we must consider the ecological and social pressures that shape the beliefs and practices we often take for granted."”
Cows, Pigs, Wars, and Witches
By Marvin Harris
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Marvin Harris (1927-2001) was a prominent American anthropologist and author known for his influential contributions to cultural materialism. His notable works include 'Cannibals and Kings: The Origins of Cultures' (1977), 'Our Kind: Who We Are, Where We Came From, Where We Are Going' (1995), and 'The Savage Mind' (1966). Harris's writing style is characterized by a clear, accessible prose that engages both academic and general audiences. He adeptly integrated concepts from anthropology, sociology, and economics to explore the relationships between culture and the material conditions of human life. His ideas challenged existing paradigms and offered new insights into human behavior and societal development.
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