Art's evolutionary purpose

As seems to be a recent trend, another human characteristic is theoretically explained via evolutionary psychology. Can it be that appreciation and creation of fine arts are part of natural and sexual selection? Denis Dutton's new book, The Art Instinct, says yes. Mr. Dutton argues that as arts appear in every human society, this universal behavior must have roots in our origins.

Creativity would have helped our ancestors endure hostile conditions, while storytelling taught them to comprehend consequences of actions, thus increasing chances of survival. Additionally, creativity in speech and actions helped both males and females attract and retain a mate, leading to survival "not just of the physically strongest but of the cleverest, wittiest and wisest."

Finally, a resolution that combines arts and sciences, and makes logical sense. I'm sure that our man Jackson would've produced subsequent artistic offspring, if not for his affinity for driving under the influence.