culture n: the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively

Found in the Oxford Dictionary, this is what the entry on culture reads.  Although this is the world-wide accepted definition, in my opinion the term "culture" is defined throughout the world endlessly.  Culture is a word encompassing vast amounts of definitions and thoughts.  In fact, I believe that there is no one clear cut definition of the word.  From classic culture to pop culture, the ideas and framework of the word are infinite.  Ask a person from past decades and they might tell you culture is something along the lines of what you would find among the pages of the classic Moby Dick or writings of the great William Shakespeare.  Today, however, views on culture are expanding at an exponential rate, especially since the turn of the century.  I believe that culture includes every aspect of our lives, surrounding us entirely.  The written books and records are merely just touching on its entirety.  In Aimé Césaire’s Martinique Writer speaking to the World Congress of Black Writers and Artists in Paris, it is said that culture expresses something "large and unwieldy" and is unfolded in the way we live our lives day to day.  It is becoming increasingly more and more important in this day and age to become a cultured individual, or in other words understanding those around you who lead different lifestyles.  Although they might not be completely understood, they must be accepted in order for our world to be a compatible place.  I am a firm believer that it is our job and duty as worldly citizens to open ourselves and increase our knowledge in other areas and cultures to become a more involved, cultured individual.  


http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/culture?q=culture