Ruth Benedict

1887–1948 (age 61)

Anthropologist

Biography

Ruth Benedict was a pioneering anthropologist whose curiosity and compassion opened new windows onto the rich tapestry of human cultures; her writings, including Patterns of Culture, encouraged readers to see the value in every community’s way of life. She taught generations of scholars how to listen carefully, to question assumptions, and to honor the dignity of difference.

Her thoughtful scholarship and steady advocacy for a humane world continue to inspire students and colleagues, and she now rests at Mount Hope Cemetery.

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