Abstract

In view of a common neuroanatomy, ten basic affective states and a basic sense of selfhood/organic unity, it is likely that aesthetic creativity and appreciation only can occur when the cortically determined sense of ego-orientation has been superseded either spontaneously, by psychotropic substances, tragical catharsis, philosophical analyses, introspective techniques or by being exposed to natural stimuli. This process shifts the attention from being focused on personal egoistic concerns to a universal perspective in which the emotions are deepened and the sense of consciousness/reality is enhanced. The resulting state of enhanced awareness, which is culture-invariant, has given rise to painting, poetry, music and other forms of aesthetics.