Silence speaks in a loud world

Paul Goodman describes silences of  various kinds. ‘Dumb silence’ is representative of slumber and apathy. ‘Fertile silence’ heralds the emergence of new thoughts. ‘Alive silence’ alerts  perception. ‘Musical silence’ accompanies absorbed activity. ‘Silence of listening’ allows another person speak. ‘Noisy silence’ represents resentment and self-recrimination. ‘Baffled silence’ doesn’t know what to do. ‘Silence of peaceful accord’ brings communion with the cosmos.

In Finland,the purpose of a conclave was to deliberate upon the strengths of their country. Someone proposed ‘Finnish Silence’ as a national brand. The idea of silence as a resource, like clean water or wild mushrooms that are available in plenty in Finland was supported by many. One of the conclusions of the conclave was, “In the future, people will be prepared to pay for the experience of silence.”