Spiritual and material culture are two parts of one whole. Studying one area is almost impossible without exploring another. Material culture implies any material achievements of mankind. For example, technical inventions, architecture, household items. Objects of material culture help archaeologists very much in their work. Based on material findings, they can reconstruct the life of our ancestors, their way of life. Material culture is an essential part of life that changes and improves every year, in accordance with the development of mankind.
Spiritual culture is also the main indicator of civilization of people. What is included in this concept? First of all, any ideas, discoveries, concepts. For example, religion, philosophy, psychology, various works of art belong to spiritual culture. This definition includes everything that has been achieved by the power of human thought and talent.
Material culture is inextricably linked with the spiritual aspect. Before building any building or creating another physical object, the intellectual powers of people, their imagination, were expended. At the same time, objects related to spiritual culture are also expressed through material objects. For example, a man created a philosophical work and introduced his readers to it through a book.
The spiritual aspect of human activities, as well as material culture, also helps to understand how our ancestors lived. First of all, it is the merit of archaeologists who study ancient works of art and the achievements of thought. However, spiritual culture is explored not only by historians. For example, the ancient beliefs, tales, legends were carefully analyzed in his works by the father of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud, as well as his followers. Spiritual culture allows us to understand how our ancestors saw the world, what their psychology was, which is very valuable for a deep and thoughtful knowledge of history.
What else can be said about these two concepts? Material and spiritual culture, of course, existed in different developmental options, practically at all times. Even ancient people carved drawings on the walls of caves, symbolizing animals, any ordinary actions, for example, hunting.
Material culture, as well as spiritual culture, has experienced ups and downs many times in the history of mankind. Priorities have also changed. That is, one culture has become more important than another. It is interesting to consider people's interest in the spiritual and material aspects using the well-known Maslow pyramid as an example . This famous concept helps to analyze why one side of culture becomes more important than the other. A person who is deprived of basic material wealth, that is, shelter, food, and means to help protect himself, is unlikely to be interested in the spiritual side of life. A person who has satisfied all his basic needs is already reaching out to such areas as art, philosophy, and religion.
Material culture clearly shows how much a person was able to adapt in natural conditions. Without this aspect, the existence of the state, and even of man, is practically impossible. However, spiritual culture is very important for the whole society. Without it, a man would have remained a barbarian. Spiritual culture sets certain standards of behavior, forms ideals, develops a sense of beauty. Without it, no civilization is unimaginable. However, spiritual culture is not entertainment for the elite, because it includes education, cinema, and various books. The harmony of material objects and the achievements of human intelligence helps to achieve a high level of existence, both of the whole state and of a single person.