Considered a pioneer of her time, Ruth Fulton Benedict was an American anthropologist who helped popularize anthropology while introducing terms such as culture and racism into everyday language. As an advocate against discriminatory attitudes, Benedict advocated for tolerance and individuality within social norms and expectations and sought to determine that every culture has its own moral imperatives. Considered his most famous written work, Patterns of Culture, Benedict explores the differences between rituals, beliefs and personal preferences and how, within that culture, the personality of the individual exists. While Benedict advocated for tolerance in individual choices and in society, she also recognized the struggle within society to fully embrace such choices while remaining silent about her personal life. An outspoken voice against racial inequality and discrimination, Benedict identified a variety of aspects within the cultures of the one she studied, raising awareness and helping to create peace. Benedict (1934) wrote in his book Patterns of Culture: “From the moment of his birth, the custom into which he is born shapes his experience and behavior” (p.3). Benedict was born June 5, 1887, in New York to Frederick S. Fulton and Beatrice Shattuck. After the death of his father when he was two years old, Benedict and his sister found themselves isolated while their mother remained grieving over the loss of her husband. Isolated and confined in a fantasy world in her mind, Benedict developed depression which proved to be a struggle for much of her life. Lacking support from his mother and isolated from a normal childhood, Benedict found solace in his imagination and what would later be his...... middle of paper ...... the work of ct as a defender of discriminatory attitudes led the way. the path to tolerance and individuality within social norms and expectations, as it also sought to determine that every culture has its own moral imperatives. Benedict's life is a shining example of the ability to keep individuality paramount within society at large while simultaneously fulfilling internal desires for success and creating peace and understanding in the external world. Works Cited Benedict, RF (1946). The chrysanthemum and the sword. Cleveland: Meridian Books. Benedict, R.F. (1934). Cultivation models. United States: Eighteenth printing. Ruth Benedict. (January 12, 2009). Encyclopedia of the New World. Retrieved at 5:18 p.m. April 27, 2011 from http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Ruth_Benedict?oldid=900340. Mead, M. (1959). An anthropologist at work. United States: Atherton Press.