The need to be right can arise from a fear of being disrespected. Or it may come out of the fear of being seen as we really are: as flawed human beings who are perfectly imperfect and full of contradictions and confusions.
Julian TreasureRead
People find birdsong relaxing and reassuring because over thousands of years, they have learnt when the birds sing, they are safe; it's when birds stop singing that people need to worry.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Birdsong provides a sense of safety and calmness to people, indicating a harmonious environment.
In this quote, Julian Treasure explains how birdsong has been associated with safety and reassurance for humans throughout history. The continuous presence of birdsong signals a peaceful and secure environment, while its absence might indicate danger or an unsettling change, highlighting our deep-rooted connection with nature and its sounds.
Themes
BirdsongSafetyNatureReassuranceCalmness
In practice
Example use cases
In a nature retreat, I mentioned the quote to emphasize the calming effects of natural sounds.
More from Julian Treasure
All quotes →You can't truly listen to someone and do anything else at the same time.
Julian TreasureRead
The human voice: It's the instrument we all play. It's the most powerful sound in the world, probably. It's the only one that can start a war or say 'I love you.' And yet many people have the experience that when they speak, people don't listen to them.
Julian TreasureRead
Intention is very important in sound, in listening. When I married my wife, I promised her I would listen to her every day as if for the first time. Now that's something I fall short of on a daily basis.
Julian TreasureRead
Just three minutes a day of silence is a wonderful exercise to reset your ears and to recalibrate so that you can hear the quiet again. If you can't get absolute silence, go for quiet; that's absolutely fine.
Julian TreasureRead
This devaluing of listening is handed down from generation to generation. There are many children who don't have the experience of being listened to by their parents.
Julian TreasureRead
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