The Thoughts of We

The origin of music has been a puzzle to philosophers and scientists for centuries, but recent research suggests that music evolved from a courtship ritual. It also bolsters social bonds, as demonstrated by military marches and fight songs at football games. Many studies show that we respond emotionally to music because we feel a sense of belonging to a group. If you are wondering why we like music, read on. Let’s look at some of the most popular theories of music’s evolution.

Before the invention of the Walkman, people listened to music as a social experience. They sang hymns to prove their commitment to their church and their national anthems to show their love for their country. They also found communities by listening to outsider genres. Whatever the reason, music unites us. And it has the power to make us feel happy. This is why music is so universal. People don’t get tired of listening to different kinds of music.

The evolution of our vocal system has been linked to how we respond to music. Our brains respond to music by synchronizing with the rhythm. In turn, this can cause our bodies to respond in ways that are shared by many people. And it seems to work like language does, using a combination of sound and dynamic variations to make us feel happy and at ease. That may explain why we feel a sense of belonging when we listen to music.