Faculty | April 27, 2012

Harvard sociobiologist E.O. Wilson on the origins of the arts

Sociobiologist E.O. Wilson on the evolution of culture

From The May-June 2012 Issue

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.

Published in the May-June 2012 print issue under the headline “On the Origins of the Arts,” in the Features section.

Related topics

You might also like

White envelopes with red symbols falling into a black ballot box against a red background.

Faculty Set to Vote on Grade Inflation Proposal

Results of the email ballot will be announced on May 20.

Smiling man in a black suit against a dark blue background.

Jason Furman to Lead Center for Business and Government

The new director of Harvard Kennedy School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center bridges economic research and policy.

University Hall building facade with a dark door, large windows, and a tree nearby.

Harvard Awards Teaching and Mentoring Prizes

Harvard College and GSAS recognize outstanding faculty contributors.

Most popular

Ronny Chieng wearin a suit speaks passionately at a wooden podium outdoors.

Ronny Chieng Tells Harvard to ‘Destroy AI’ as Graduates Cheer

The comedian and The Daily Show host gave the keynote address for Class Day 2026.

Martin Nowak in a suit attentively listens during a conference, seated among an audience.

Martin Nowak Placed on Leave a Second Time

Further links to Jeffrey Epstein surface in newly released files.

Graduates celebrate with joy, wearing caps and gowns, in a vibrant outdoor setting.

Commencement Day with Conan O’Brien

The comedian headlined a star-studded cast for Harvard’s 375th Commencement exercises.

Explore More From Current Issue

A woman with long hair leans on a table, looking out a large window with rain-streaked glass.

A Harvard Economist Probes the Affordable Housing Crisis

From understanding gender pay gaps to the housing crisis, Rebecca Diamond’s research aims to improve lives.

Woman in historical dress standing in front of green foliage, smiling brightly.

Alumni Profiles

This Harvard Graduate Brings Women of the Revolution to Life

Historical reenactor Lauren Shear reveals tricks of the trade for playing Tory loyalists, Revolutionary poets, and more.

Illustration of two students in Harvard hoodies, one speaking animatedly to a phone, the other reading, looking annoyed.

Undergraduate Column

We’re All Harvard Influencers, Like It or Not

In the digital age, it’s hard to avoid playing into the mythology.