2025/04/26

Is Art the Key to Human Evolution? – The Unending Question and the Aspiration for Creation

We stand on the foundation of a long, long history.

Since appearing on this Earth as Homo sapiens, we have continued to evolve, built civilizations, and developed science and technology.

We have landed on the moon, unraveled the structure of atoms, and can connect with the entire world via the internet.

Despite this, we still repeat conflicts, and there are people suffering from hunger and poverty.

And more than anything, there is the reality that many people relentlessly seek peace of mind and true happiness.

Why is it that despite such progress, we cannot escape fundamental suffering and conflict?

This is a question that philosophers, religious figures, and thinkers throughout the ages and across cultures have continued to ask.

I myself have witnessed this duality of human nature: astounding creativity and, at times, unbelievable destructiveness.

And as I grappled with my own endless interest in art, music, and literature, a hypothesis suddenly came to me.

Perhaps what is most necessary for humanity to evolve to the next level is not further advancement in science and technology, nor mere economic prosperity, but the very act of “art.”

In this blog post, I would like to explore the hypothesis that “the key to human evolution lies in art,” taking this thought of mine as a starting point.

The “evolution” referred to here is not merely biological change, but spiritual, emotional, and social maturity – what could be called the deepening of humanity.

What is Art? A Fundamental Impulse Beyond the Struggle for Survival

What exactly is art?

Painting, sculpture, music, literature, theater, dance, architecture…

There are various forms, but are they merely entertainment or decoration? I don’t think so.

I feel that art is an activity rooted in a more fundamental human impulse.

In ancient times, our ancestors drew pictures on cave walls.

Was it merely a way to pass the time? Images of prey, scenes of hunting, and sometimes abstract patterns.

Undoubtedly, various thoughts were imbued within them: the desire to record what they saw, to express their inner feelings, to share something with their companions, or perhaps to pray to unseen beings.

In an era without electricity or writing, why did they go to the trouble of doing such things?

It could only be because, even though it was not an act directly useful for survival, it held something of profound significance for them.

Looking back at human history, art has always been by our side.

Massive structures like temples and pyramids, music and dance used in religious rituals, stories passed down through oral tradition.

All of these were means of expressing and sharing the worldview, values, and emotions of the people of that time.

It was not just for royalty and the aristocracy, but was also widely enjoyed among the common people in the form of festivals and gatherings.

Art allows us to express the world of emotions, sensations, and the unconscious, which we cannot grasp solely through logic or language.

Joy, sorrow, anger, awe, love, despair…

To express these complex and transient movements of the heart through colors and shapes, sounds, the rhythm of words, and bodily movements.

And those who receive it understand and empathize with it not through reason, but through sensibility.

This process is what I believe lies at the core of art.

In the stark reality of the struggle for survival, why did humanity create and cherish art, which is “not directly useful for survival”?

Perhaps it is because art fulfilled something fundamental related to our “humanity,” made us question our raison d’être, and had the power to connect society.

Art Cultivates “Empathy” and “Understanding”

One of the biggest reasons I believe “the key to human evolution lies in art” is the power art possesses to cultivate “empathy” and “understanding.”

When we read a work of literature, we see the world through the eyes of the protagonist.

We share their joy and shed tears in their sorrow.

By encountering the struggles and decisions of characters with completely different circumstances and values from ourselves, we can vicariously experience lives other than our own.

This is a precious experience that is hard to obtain in our daily lives.

When we listen to music, even without words, we receive various emotions from the melodies and rhythms being played.

We feel peace from a gentle melody, excitement from a powerful beat, or our hearts tighten at a melancholic tune.

The emotional movements within the composer or performer resonate directly in our hearts through the medium of sound.

The same is true when viewing paintings or sculptures.

From the expressions of the figures depicted, the colors of the landscape, the texture of the sculpture, we try to sense the artist’s intention and the atmosphere of the era in which the work was created.

Even with abstract contemporary art, we can feel something that resonates with our hearts or stirs us, from the arrangement of shapes and colors, or the power of the materials used.

It can be said that a dialogue of sensibility is taking place between the creator and the viewer, transcending logic.

Arts that include physical expression, such as theater, film, and dance, convey emotions and situations even more directly.

The actor’s tone of voice, expression, bodily movements, the effects of the stage set and lighting.

Together, they draw the audience into the world of the story, allowing them to feel the characters’ emotions and circumstances firsthand.

Through such artistic experiences, we come into contact with the emotions and thoughts of others, as well as diverse values.

This leads to a deeper understanding of beings different from ourselves and fosters empathy.

We can break out of the shell of our own small world and gain a broader perspective.

While globalization is advancing in contemporary society, conflicts and divisions due to cultural and ideological differences are also becoming serious.

In the age of information overload, we tend to be swayed by superficial information and stereotypical opinions.

However, the experience of deeply touching the inner lives of others through art transcends such shallow understanding and creates genuine empathy.

By encountering music from different cultures, we develop a sense of closeness to that culture, and by reading literature from foreign lands, we can contemplate the daily lives and emotions of the people who live there.

Art can become a universal language that connects people across national borders and cultural divides.

Isn’t it true that many wars and conflicts arise from the inability to “understand the other” or “empathize with the other”?

If we can cultivate the ability to understand others more deeply and empathize through art, we may be able to reduce futile conflicts and build a more peaceful and coexisting society.

This is what I am convinced is an indispensable element for humanity to “evolve” to the next stage.

Art as a Source of Creativity and Innovation

Another aspect of art that contributes to human evolution is its power to stimulate “creativity” and generate innovation.

Artists are not bound by existing frameworks; they constantly seek new forms of expression, materials, and ideas.

They find beauty in the everyday that we usually overlook, or express the world in ways that no one has ever thought of.

The free thinking and spirit of inquiry that these artists possess become a catalyst for stimulating creativity throughout society.

Looking back at history, the development of art and science and technology were not unrelated.

During the Renaissance, figures like Leonardo da Vinci emerged who were artists as well as scientists and engineers.

The establishment of perspective in painting was based on mathematical knowledge, and knowledge of anatomy was essential for depicting the human body.

Furthermore, advanced engineering technology is required to build beautiful structures.

Even today, with attention being paid to terms like Design Thinking and Art Thinking, artistic sensibility and ways of thinking are being emphasized in the fields of business and technology.

To solve complex problems, not only logical analysis but also intuition, inspiration, and the ability to view things from different perspectives are necessary.

Art can be said to be the most suitable training ground for cultivating such abilities.

When creating new technologies or products, there is a demand for designs and stories that resonate with people’s hearts, not just those that are functional.

For this, an artistic sensibility that empathizes with the users’ emotions and provides感動 and joy is indispensable.

Art also plays a role in social criticism and raising issues.

Works that question existing values or expose social injustices can awaken people’s consciousness and become triggers for social change.

In this way, art does not merely offer beautiful things, but also brings new perspectives to society and has the power to promote change.

To solve the global challenges humanity faces (climate change, poverty, conflict, etc.), we need creative thinking unbound by conventional wisdom and the capacity for empathy for society as a whole to cooperate.

Art can be the fertile ground for cultivating both.

Beyond the development of new technology, the role that art plays in “creatively” transforming social systems and people’s consciousness itself will become increasingly significant.

Introspection, Self-Exploration, and Peace of Mind

Why do we seek peace of mind?

Isn’t it because we wish to confront and understand our own inner selves?

Art is like a compass that guides us deeply on this journey of “introspection” and “self-exploration.”

We may listen to a certain piece of music and find ourselves unable to stop crying, or see a painting that awakens forgotten memories.

Why were we moved by that work? Perhaps it touched upon emotions, memories, or unconscious realms dormant in the depths of our hearts.

Works of art become mirrors that reflect our own feelings and thoughts.

The act of creating art oneself, such as writing a diary, painting a picture, or playing a musical instrument, is also a powerful means of self-exploration.

In the process of putting unspoken thoughts into words, or giving vague emotions color and form, we can organize and understand our own inner selves.

Sometimes, we may even confront emotions or thoughts we were not even aware of.

This process of introspection leads to deeper self-understanding.

We can learn what brings us joy, what causes us sorrow, and what we value.

And by understanding ourselves deeply, we can better control our emotions and increase our self-esteem.

This is a very important step towards achieving peace of mind.

Contemporary society is overflowing with external stimuli.

Information overload, social media relationships, work stress, etc., we tend to always direct our attention outwards.

However, what the heart truly seeks may be quiet time to confront our own inner selves.

Art provides us with such time.

Taking a walk while listening to your favorite music, slowly appreciating paintings at an art museum, or simply gazing blankly at the sky.

Such artistic experiences calm our minds and encourage us to listen to our inner voice.

While methods like meditation and mindfulness are said to be effective for gaining peace of mind, artistic experience may also be similar to entering a kind of meditative state.

When deeply immersed in a work, we forget time and space and simply focus on that moment. This has the effect of clearing away杂念 and clarifying the mind.

Peace of mind is not simply the absence of stress.

It is a state of being where we are in harmony with ourselves, accept the uncertainties of the world, and yet can find meaning and joy in living.

Art can be a powerful tool to help us approach that state of mind.

Confronting ourselves, connecting with others, and feeling the beauty and depth of the world.

These experiences will promote our spiritual maturity and contribute to the “evolution” of humanity as a whole.

Art and Society, and the Future

Art not only affects the individual’s inner life but also has a significant impact on society as a whole.

Shared artistic experiences create a sense of solidarity among people and play a crucial role in forming communities.

Songs and dances in festivals and rituals, sharing the same stories together.

These were indispensable in uniting people and passing down culture and traditions to the next generation.

In difficult times, art became a beacon of hope.

During wartime, people found solace in music and gained courage from literature.

Under oppression, art became a means of resistance and a venue for expressing the longing for freedom. Art symbolizes the indomitable human spirit and becomes a force for overcoming adversity.

Contemporary society is undergoing significant changes with the astonishing evolution of technology, such as the rise of AI and the acceleration of the information society.

In such times, questions like what it means to be human and where our raison d’être lies are becoming increasingly important.

The emotional fluctuations that cannot be created by machines, complex inner lives, and creativity. These are the areas where art excels.

While AI pursues efficiency and rationality, humanity will, through art, re-recognize the importance of finding value in seemingly irrational emotions, intuition, and the unseen.

Art constantly reminds us that we are not merely functional beings, but beings who feel, think, and create.

In a globalizing world, cross-cultural understanding is essential.

Art is a powerful tool for sharing culture that transcends language barriers.

Through music, film, and art festivals, we can experience the diverse cultures of the world and deepen mutual understanding.

This is an indispensable process for people with different cultures to coexist.

Furthermore, to build a sustainable society, not only technical solutions but also a transformation of people’s consciousness is necessary.

Feeling the beauty of nature and holding a sense of awe for the preciousness of life.

Such sensibilities are cultivated through art.

Artistic expression can be a great force in raising people’s awareness of environmental issues and social challenges.

Of course, “art” does not always bring only positive aspects.

It can be used for propaganda, to impose specific ideologies, or to stir up division.

Historically, there were also times when it was treated as something belonging to a select few.

However, that is not the essence of art itself, but a matter of its “use” and “access.”

The fundamental power that art holds exists beyond that.

Conclusion: Towards the Next Evolution, Together with Art

My hypothesis that “the key to human evolution lies in art” may be just a romantic ideal.

However, witnessing the reality that despite the progress in science and technology, we still repeat wars and continue to seek peace of mind, I cannot help but feel that we are overlooking something very important.

Perhaps that important thing is the power related to the deep parts of human nature, such as “empathy,” “creativity,” and “introspection,” which art cultivates.

These powers are indispensable for us, as individuals and as a society, to become more mature, harmonious, and to build a sustainable future.

The future evolution of humanity should not be one that solely pursues material wealth or technological progress.

It will be one that includes spiritual maturity, where we deeply understand our own inner selves, connect with others from the heart, and feel connected to the world.

And on that journey, art can be the most powerful companion.

The reason I am drawn to art and music is probably because, unconsciously, I sense that the key to pioneering the future of humanity lies there.

Perhaps it is something that responds to a fundamental aspiration common to all humanity, beyond mere personal taste.

Art is abundant around us.

Let’s take a moment to pause and deeply engage with each piece.

What do you feel from a single painting? How does a piece of music affect your heart?

What kind of new world does a book reveal?

It is a journey into your own inner self, and at the same time, a journey through the long path humanity has walked, and the future path we must walk.

Together with art, we can move towards the next evolution.

I believe that.

And if reading this article has made you ponder the power of art, even just a little, there could be nothing that would make me happier.

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