Explore Ellen Dissanayake’s theory of artification. Learn why making things special is a biological necessity hardwired into human evolution and our DNA.
Art isn't some elite luxury; it’s actually a biological necessity, like eating or sleeping, and it's literally hardwired into our DNA through evolution. It is the universal behavior of 'artification'—taking something totally ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary just because we care about it.
Summarize the concept of "art for life’s sake" by Ellen Dissanayake, focusing on her evolutionary perspective on art as a biological necessity and the behavior of "making special."
Artification is a term coined by scholar Ellen Dissanayake to describe the universal human behavior of making things special. It involves taking something ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary because we care about it. This process is considered a root proclivity, meaning it is a deep-seated need hardwired into our DNA through evolution. Rather than being an elite luxury, artification is a biological necessity that helps humans stay sane and connected to one another.
In the evolutionary biology of art, Ellen Dissanayake argues for 'art for life’s sake' rather than 'art for art’s sake.' This perspective suggests that art is as essential to human survival as eating or sleeping. Our ancient brains are designed to engage in creative behaviors to maintain mental well-being and social bonds. Whether it is picking a font or arranging a bookshelf, these actions fulfill a fundamental evolutionary requirement that has existed since prehistoric times.
The concept of 'making special' is rooted in human evolution and the psychology of art. Dissanayake’s forty years of research indicate that humans have an ancient, evolutionary drive to elevate the mundane. This behavior is not just about aesthetics; it is a functional trait designed to foster connection and community. By transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, our ancestors developed a way to signal importance and value, a trait that remains hardwired in the modern human brain.
From Columbia University alumni | built in San Francisco
avg rating
7.84k+ App Rating
BeFreed Community
Seriously I haven’t even explored this app fully yet but from using it the last few days I am so impressed... BeFreed is on a different level from any other learning app I have used. This makes it ultra engaging and can actually improve your concentration which is great for all the doom scrollers!
@ladyInfinity
I bought BeFreed exactly 23 days ago, and I have used it every single day since. It has completely embedded itself into my daily workflow and learning habit.
@jayallen
The truth is, the app has exceeded all my expectations. I can ask it to generate audio on any topic, whatever it may be, and the result is impressive. My professional field is a specialization in psychotherapy and it is multidisciplinary; however, the answers are very accurate.
@Raguipa
What I appreciate most is how much it's reduced my scrolling – I'm spending less time searching and more time absorbing information. The combination of full audiobooks, podcasts, the learning plans are brilliant.
@colonyofcreatorsNGO
I have been a PhotoReading Accelerated Learning Instructor for the past 24 years... books and reading and learning are my thing, and BeFreed has done a great job in providing an innovative approach to disseminating and delivering information in an easy to consume way.
@BeFreed user
It is not just a book summary app, I have used the 'fun reading' option and it's a much better summary and way to grasp ideas the traditional way, that alone is worth this deal.
@austinakon
I love this app. Used it for several days and I cannot stop listening. Such a great way to start.
@jcrules328
I really like the program; I have already tested it for around one month, and I feel that it's an amazing gem. It works so well because I can use BeFreed to create my own topics, and the voice is so good with unlimited choice of narrations.
@DanielCZ
I love the fact that I can get useful, condensed, information and ideas in a 8 - 15 minute podcast style audio. I'm not a general fan of podcasts because of all the fluff, but this cuts through all that.
@BeFreed user
I am finishing up my doctorate, and have to read a lot of unfamiliar material... With BeFreed, you simply enter a prompt, and the app finds source material for you and generates an audio podcast. I find the process in BeFreed to be more streamlined than NotebookLM.
@Brad
I often search YouTube for something to listen to whilst making breakfast, when I'm out walking, commuting, etc, and BeFreed has provided an even more targeted approach, without the adverts and the fluff!
@BeFreed user
The absolute best part about this platform is its versatility. There is literally no subject that is off-topic. It handles whatever you throw at it... It is rare to find an learning tool with zero limitations that actually delivers on its promises.
@jayallen
BeFreed is fantastic. The user-friendly design means I spend less time navigating and more time learning. The mix of audiobooks, podcasts, and learning plans is a genius combo that has completely changed my daily routine.
@BeFreed user
At the start I needed a while to understand how to create podcasts in italian language and boom! It is so great! I can ask to explain every argument and it does so well and so smartly!
@matteo77
BeFreed has become my daily app for audio books tools... What I like the most is the way you put your text and come with an audio that you can listen on the go.
@kotanzu1
