Rent The Chrysanthemum and the Sword

I found Benedict’s anthropological study on the Japanese to be very informing and quite fascinating. While I did already have a vague idea of Japanese culture, I didn’t fully grasp all the intricacies of that culture. I was also surprised as to the conditions surrounding the reasons for this study – the American military wanted a better understanding of the Japanese. Sound like the present day, though I don’t think today’s military is really willing to accept information regarding Islamic cultures. It’s almost like they are afraid of really trying to understand other cultures and see the similarities and differences between us and them. Why anthropology is important as it ever was.After reading Benedict’s study, I have come to respect the Japanese even more than I had before. I also feel I can understand Japanese literature better – at least to a certain degree. I also felt like Benedict treated the topics in the book with complete respect. My next quest would be to read something a little more modern something that tries to see how the Japanese are changing or not to the modern world.A good anthropological study for everyone to read!