Features

On the Origins of the Arts

Sociobiologist E.O. Wilson on the evolution of culture

The human urge to create art appears magnificently in the Paleolithic paintings from roughly 30,000 years ago at Chauvet Cave, in southern France. Here, the Panel of the Horses.

A bison, shown in twisted perspective; the doubling of the hindquarters and the extra legs may depict the animal running, or two bison side by side.

The Lion Panel, with bison (the lions’ likely prey), a young mammoth, and rhinoceros

Red bear

One rhinoceros from a group of 17

Dear Reader:

The text excerpted here was posted with permission of W.W. Norton, but that permission has since expired and the text has been taken down.

Read a Harvard Magazine profile of E.O. Wilson here.

Thank you for visiting.

You might also like

Mockup of 180 Western Avenue

More Housing in Allston

Toward another apartment complex on Harvard-owned land

General Counsel Diane Lopez

General Counsel Diane Lopez to Retire

Stepping down after 30 years of University service

Navigating Changing Careers

Harvard researchers seek to empower individuals to steer their own careers.

Most popular

Gymsuits, Pre-Spandex

Lest young ladies’ “tides” be deranged

President Bacow’s First-Day Message

A community letter as the new administration begins

A drawing by Heinz Tesar from the exhibit Fragments on Le Corbusier at the Carpenter Center. The drawing depicts Ronchamp (at right), Le Corbusier's pilgrimage chapel.

Events

Winter events

More to explore

Illustration of a box containing a laid-off fossil fuel worker's office belongings

Preparing for the Energy Transition

Expect massive job losses in industries associated with fossil fuels. The time to get ready is now.

Apollonia Poilâne standing in front of rows of fresh-baked loaves at her family's flagship bakery

University People

Her Bread and Butter

A third-generation French baker on legacy loaves and the "magic" of baking

Illustration that plays on the grade A+ and the term Ai

John Harvard's Journal

AI in the Academy

Generative AI can enhance teaching and learning but augurs a shift to oral forms of student assessment.