Google defines culture as, "The arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively." I agree that culture can mean different things to different people, and for many, appreciation of finer things such as art and achievement is just that. But culture isn't only related to the arts or an accomplishment, it's a common attitude that is molded by a society.
Our music, our hobbies, and our interests are all fundamental aspects of our culture. Culture changes with time, but how culture affects people's lives remains the same. My favorite critic on culture is Andrei Codrescu, who describes culture as a "social atmosphere". In my opinion, this hits the nail right on the head. Many of us prioritize what is most important in our life based on our society's culture. In other words, our social atmosphere and attitude are formed from the culture we live in. What do you and your friends talk about when you all hang out? Possibly the previous night's football match-ups, or maybe gossip about juicy new celebrity buzz. We talk about these things because it's in our culture to do so. It's what we consider important -- it is the social atmosphere.
In summation, culture is the way in which we live our daily lives. It's waking up at 7:00 A.M. to go to work every morning. It's catching up on the day's news at the water cooler with your co-workers. It can be saying a prayer before going to bed at night. Culture is all around us.
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