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All kinds Quote by Oliver Sacks

“Darwin speculated that “music tones and rhythms were used by our half-human ancestors, during the season of courtship, when animals of all kinds are excited not only by love, but by strong passions of jealousy, rivalry, and triumph” and that speech arose, secondarily, from this primal music.” quote by Oliver Sacks
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“Darwin speculated that “music tones and rhythms were used by our half-human ancestors, during the season of courtship, when animals of all kinds are excited not only by love, but by strong passions of jealousy, rivalry, and triumph” and that speech arose, secondarily, from this primal music.”

Oliver Sacks

About This Quote

Source Interview: "Music, the Brain, and the Mind", 2004

Music may be the evolutionary root of language, driven by primal emotions.

In simple terms: Music precedes speech.

Key Takeaway

Explore rhythm in communication.

Themes

evolution music language

Mood

curious analytical

Type

scientific philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • artistic expression
  • social bonding

Key Concepts

primal emotions communication theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • What role does rhythm play in your speech?
  • Can music replace words?
A Different Perspective

Modern linguistics challenges this view.

3.6 out of 5 (9 ratings)

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