Reading Blog #2

Alex Ross' "Searching for Silence" explores the idea of "there is no such thing as silence". Ross begins by examining the role of silence in classical music, arguing that the pauses between notes can be just as important as the notes themselves. Ross delves into John Cage's life and studies. First, Ross mentions "4'33", a piece by John Cage, that is 4 minutes and 33 seconds of silence. This forces you to listen to the world around you, proving that there is no such thing as true silence. Ross parallels this idea by highlighting the modern era and how technology has made it impossible to be silenced. He notes that technology has made it difficult to escape from noise and distractions and that many people are now actively seeking out moments of silence in their lives. Ross mentions Zen Buddhism which is an important reminder that we are falling into constant noise and will need meditation to go back to an equilibrium. He discusses the rise of meditation and mindfulness practices as ways to find inner peace and quiet. Ross concludes by asserting that silence has a transformative impact on our lives. He believes that whether we encounter it through music, nature, or introspection, moments of silence can allow us to connect with something profound and meaningful.