I'm currently reading The Story of B,in which you distinguish between our singular culture (Us, or Takers) and 10,000 other cultures (Leavers). You include both Eastern and Western peoples as "us" based on the similarities in the way we procure food. Why then do you keep refering to the Leavers as "10,000 other cultures"? Using the same logic, shouldn't we refer to all hunters and gatherers as a singular culture rather than a collection of cultures? • Ishmael.org, the work & philosophy of Daniel Quinn

I’m currently reading The Story of B,in which you distinguish between our singular culture (Us, or Takers) and 10,000 other cultures (Leavers). You include both Eastern and Western peoples as “us” based on the similarities in the way we procure food.

Why then do you keep refering to the Leavers as “10,000 other cultures”? Using the same logic, shouldn’t we refer to all hunters and gatherers as a singular culture rather than a collection of cultures?

By giving them a name, Leavers, I’ve indicated that they are a single culture in the sense that Takers are a single culture. Nevertheless, among Leavers (as among Takers) there are thousands of subcultures, and I think it’s clear from the context that it’s these “10,000” subcultures I’m referring to.

ID: 602
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updated: 18 Jan 2003

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