Why did man evolve an...........

[tolbiny]

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appreciation for art and music? I just can't see how those abilities fit well with the whole "survival of the fittest" concept. The only explanation I can think of is those abilities are simply byproducts of the ability to recognize patterns. However that explanation just doesn't feel right. We appreciate art and music too much for it to be a byproduct.

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Nothing comes without work, try viewing art and music as practice. The more time you spend working on rhythm the easier it is to recognize, early cave painting are very often silhouettes of prey. Its not likely just a byproduct, but a reinforcement mechanism allowing individuals to learn (and to teach their children) in a safer environment.