We’ve been taught to think of culture as something external—a set of shared behaviors, beliefs, or traditions that belong to a particular group. But culture is so much more than that. It’s not just something we observe or participate in; it’s something we carry deep within us. Culture is the living narrative of human existence itself, and this is what I refer to every time I use this term.
Think of all the lives that have come before us. Every generation leaves its mark, not just in the physical world but in the genetic memory that we pass down through epigenetics. We are the sum of every struggle, every victory, every story that our ancestors experienced.
The culture we inherit isn't just a product of history books or rituals—it’s an evolving, breathing force that lives inside each of us. We are the carriers of this collective memory, shaping and reshaping it with every choice, every piece of art, every scientific discovery, and every cultural movement we participate in.
When I speak of culture, I’m talking about this interconnected journey, this continuum that ties us to all who came before and all who will come after. It’s the creative force that drives human progress, binding us together across time and space. Culture isn’t something stagnant, preserved in museums. It’s alive, influencing our everyday lives and informing how we see the world.
Epigenetics: The Science of Inherited Memory
What makes this idea even more powerful is that modern science supports it.
Epigenetics shows us that our environments, experiences, and even traumas influence not just us but future generations. This means the stories of our ancestors aren’t just metaphorically carried forward; they’re written into our very DNA. The choices we make today—the ways we live, create, and interact—will ripple into the future, affecting generations to come. This scientific understanding strengthens the idea that culture is not just a product of our collective past but an ongoing, living narrative.
But here’s the thing: Culture isn’t just collective nostalgia. It’s not just a reminder of where we’ve been. It’s a tool for building the future. By tapping into our shared cultural memory, by recognizing that we are all a part of this ongoing narrative, we unlock infinite potential for creativity and social change.
Culture can’t thrive if we keep it locked in the past—it must be expanded, redefined, and infused with the voices of all people, especially those who have been silenced or marginalized.
The stories, traditions, and memories we inherit can either weigh us down with outdated ideas or empower us to create something new and expansive. When we honor the interconnectedness of all human experiences, we become not just participants in culture, but creators of a vibrant, inclusive future.
Embracing Culture as a Living Force
It’s time to stop thinking of culture as something that belongs to a specific group or place. Instead, let’s see it for what it truly is: the collective memory of humanity, carried forward in our genes, in our art, in our innovations, and in the stories we tell. We are culture, and culture is us—a living, breathing entity that evolves with every new voice, every new idea, and every creative leap.
Together, we can build a future where culture is not about division but about connection. A future where we honor the lives that have gone before us while embracing the potential of all who are yet to come.
What About Your Story?
Culture is a shared journey, and every one of us contributes to it.
How does your cultural memory shape you? How do you pass your story on to the next generation? And what stories, traditions, or experiences influence how you see the world today?
I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments—let’s explore this journey together. Your voice is a vital part of our collective narrative, and by engaging with each other, we can build a more connected, creative future.
Comments