Culture is the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one group from another.
Interpretation
Culture shapes how groups of people think and behave, differentiating them from others.
This quote by Geert Hofstede highlights the concept that culture is not merely a collection of customs and beliefs; rather, it is a systematic framework that influences the thought patterns and behaviors of individuals within a group. It emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural differences and how they shape group identity and human interactions.
In practice
A speaker at a diversity seminar discussing the importance of cultural understanding.
If a witch needs something, another witch will give it to her. If there is war to be fought, we don't consider cost one of the factors in deciding whether or not it is right to fight. Nor do we have any notion of honor. An insult to a bear is a deadly thing. To us...inconceivable. How could you insult a witch? What would it matter if you did?
In the autumn of 1929 the mightiest of Americans were, for a brief time, revealed as human beings.
I think a lot of self-importance is a product of fear. And fear, living in sort of an un-self-examined fear-based life, tends to lead to narcissism and self-importance.
The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world.
Life is full of troubles and vexations, that one must either rise above it by means of corrected thoughts, or leave it.
Insanity in individuals is something rare - but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule.
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