Berezin reviews evidence for the assertion that besides attempting to master tension-producing situations, the ego also produces tension for itself, and that the repeated resolution of such tension is important for the growth and maintenance of ego strength. He develops the thesis that this production and resolution of tension for ego mastery is an important aspect of the work of art. He thus views artistic efforts from the point of view of ego functions. He concludes that art is concerned with tension and resolution, and in this way it serves for civilization the same function that development and maintenance of ego mastery serve for the individual.