New Books in World Affairs
Michael Spitzer, "The Musical Human: A History of Life on Earth" (Bloomsbury, 2021)
Mar 30, 2022
In this captivating discussion, Michael Spitzer, a musicology professor at the University of Liverpool, delves into the intertwining history of music and humanity. He explores how music predates language and shapes our identities, emphasizing its evolutionary roots from insects to humans. Spitzer illustrates how music is a powerful social connector, influencing deep communal bonds. He also shares insights into timeless songs and their creation, highlighting the rich tapestry of musical traditions that define human experience.
57:20
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Quick takeaways
- Music is a fundamental aspect of human evolution that predates language and fosters cognitive and emotional connections among individuals.
- Diverse cultural interpretations and practices around music highlight its multidimensionality and role in strengthening social bonds and community cohesion.
Deep dives
The Impact of Music on Humanity
Music is considered one of the most significant aspects of human evolution, arguably even predating language. While language is often seen as the hallmark of human intelligence, music is posited to be even more fundamental, having existed for millions of years before humans developed verbal communication. The capacity for musicality is suggested to be intrinsic to all humans, and the podcast highlights the tragic disconnect in the West where most individuals consume music passively rather than actively participating in its creation. This observation underscores the importance of music as a universal emotional and social tool that fosters connection among people.
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