Maxine Greene’s assessment of Clifford Geertz’s contributions highlights a pivotal shift in scholarly discourse, underscoring a move towards understanding the world not merely as a set of objective facts, but as a tapestry of lived and perceived experiences. Geertz's work, as evident in his detailed footnotes, is a testament to his interdisciplinary approach. He weaves together insights from philosophy, linguistics, literary criticism, psychology, biology, and the social sciences, creating a rich mosaic of ideas that challenge traditional disciplinary boundaries.

This eclectic foundation ensures that Geertz's theories enjoy a broad appeal. Wilton S. Dillon, in his review, argues that The Interpretation of Cultures is essential reading for a diverse audience, ranging from anthropologists and political theorists to advertisers and educators, theologians, philosophers, and social workers. Dillon observes that Geertz effectively "violates territoriality," suggesting that his work transcends conventional academic confines. By doing so, Geertz underscores the pervasive influence of symbol systems, which are vital in shaping our understanding of reality.

Geertz warns against the futile pursuit of universals within these symbol systems. Instead, he emphasizes their foundational role in human cognition and culture. His method, characterized by a keen attention to the immediacies of social experience, offers a framework for glimpsing the unity amidst the diversity of cultural patterns. These patterns, though varied and complex, are integral to how individuals navigate and structure their lives.

Geertz's contributions thus provide a lens through which the interconnectedness of cultural narratives can be viewed. By highlighting the interplay of these narratives, his work encourages a deeper appreciation of the cultural dynamics that shape human experience, advocating for an understanding of society not as isolated parts, but as a symbiotic whole.