Leslie White

Leslie White was an influential American anthropologist, best known for his work in cultural anthropology. He emphasized the role of technology and energy in shaping human culture and societies. White is famous for his statement that "culture is a system of symbols." He believed that culture evolves through the accumulation of knowledge and that human progress is driven by our ability to harness energy and create tools. His ideas laid the groundwork for understanding the relationship between culture, technology, and social structure, making significant contributions to the study of how human societies develop and change over time.