> we've always had clearly distinguishable systems What makes you say that? My impression is that people perceive it as they typically perceive categories and

> we've always had clearly distinguishable systems What makes you say that? My impression is that people perceive it as they typically perceive categories and reality - they think it's simple. When you actually look at it, it's a mess. Culture is very complex, so it is even more of a mess. Culture also changes constantly, so what you define today is different tomorrow. > cultures have been separate and unique That does not at all match what I know or experience. I suppose theoretically, a small isolated village might be separate and unique.