Nothing defines the dynamic range of differing peoples on our planet than do the cultures we create. For as far back in our history as anyone has studied, when we humans congregate, we express our individual ideas as part of a larger group. This desire for a common collection of expressions is what human culture has always been about. Even today, as humanity remains vibrant, our common expressive nature persists.

The differences between our varied cultural expressions are the hallmark of humanity. From pictures we’ve painted on cave walls, to enormous line drawings only seen wholly from above, to the preserved words of our most venerated countrymen. We use whatever we find, even our own bodies, to express ourselves culturally. When we see another person who shares all or some of our cultural heritage, we’re naturally drawn to the familiarity of their appearance.

We also use culture to express those ideas and beliefs we hold in common over long periods of time. This is no more apparent than in our religious and spiritual lives. Not many other parts of any culture sway as much as those held for spiritual reasons. For as many kinds of religion as there are, there’s a way of expressing its beliefs that all in the culture can recognize. This not only serves to strengthen that particular bond. Religion itself is often the largest common cultural expression of a people.

All of human history is filled with references to culture. From hair styles, to clothing diversity, and even in the diets, cultural expression has marked human presence wherever it’s been. What today looks like the primitive behaviors of our ignorant ancient ancestors was for them the stuff of life. When members of different cultures have met and tried to coexist, it hasn’t always worked out in favor of both cultures. For those people conquered by another, whatever culture they can preserve is usually only remembered by the survivors. For those growing up in the culture of their captors, finding identity in being conquered is not always possible.

The best evidence of successful human presence anywhere is what remains of their culture. Local, regional, national, or larger, the ideas and beliefs passed down through any culture are at least worth making note of. Even when some practice or idea becomes outmoded, or proven ineffective for the times, it will likely be remembered in the history of a people’s common culture.