Journey into the Heart of Stillness

In today’s hectic world filled with noise of streets, sounds of machines and notifications from our mobile phones, Erling Kagge’s book "Silence: In the Age of Noise" offers a refreshing pause and invites readers to slow down, disconnect, and discover the surprising benefits of quiet moments in our everyday life.

Stillness of the nature

“Silence: In the Age of Noise”, the slim book, divided into 33 short chapters, is not only a personal reflection on different aspects of silence but also a broader cultural commentary. In this book, the Norwegian author makes numerous references to different cultures and traditions, social experiments as well as he recalls works of classic philosophers, poets, writers and also prominent media figures and pop artists.   

One of the greatest adventurers of our time

In his life, Erling Kagge has traveled through the most extreme environments on Earth, facing multi-day solitude and immense external silence.  Recalling his travel memories, Kagge presents silence as a powerful and transformative experience that goes far beyond merely the absence of sound. 

A quiet oasis in a noisy world

Kagge claims that silence is not just about external quiet but also about finding our inner stillness and reconnecting with our true selves. He believes that silence perceived as a state of mind can be discovered and cultivated everywhere, even when we are surrounded by constant noise.

"I believe it’s possible for everyone to discover this silence within themselves. It is there all the time, even when we are surrounded by constant noise. Deep down in the ocean, below the waves and ripples, you can find your internal silence. Standing in the shower, letting the water wash over your head, sitting in front of a crackling fire, swimming across a forest lake or taking a walk over a field: 
all these can be experiences of perfect stillness too. "*
Erling Kagge
Writer, explorer

For me personally, the most fascinating fragments of this book are those where the author describes his experiences with the silence of untouched landscapes, the unforgotten moments that brought him deep connection with Nature.

In his book, Kagge views silence also as a space essential for creativity and personal growth. In this space, brand new ideas and solutions can emerge, and we can even reflect on life’s bigger matters.

“Silence: In the Age of Noise” is a must-read for anyone seeking calm and balance in today’s world that never seems to stop chatting.

* source: 

“Silence in the Age of Noise” by Erling Kagge (2017).  

Translation from the Norwegian by Becky L. Crook. 

In today’s hectic world filled with noise of streets, sounds of machines and notifications from our mobile phones, Erling Kagge’s book "Silence: In the Age of Noise" offers a refreshing pause and invites readers to slow down, disconnect, and discover the surprising benefits of quiet moments in our everyday life.

“Silence: In the Age of Noise”, the slim book, divided into 33 short chapters, is not only a personal reflection on different aspects of silence but also a broader cultural commentary. In this book, the Norwegian author makes numerous references to different cultures and traditions, social experiments as well as he recalls works of classic philosophers, poets, writers and also prominent media figures and pop artists.   

One of the greatest adventurers of our time

In his life, Erling Kagge has traveled through the most extreme environments on Earth, facing multi-day solitude and immense external silence.  Recalling his travel memories, Kagge presents silence as a powerful and transformative experience that goes far beyond merely the absence of sound. 

A quiet oasis in a noisy world

Kagge claims that silence is not just about external quiet but also about finding our inner stillness and reconnecting with our true selves. He believes that silence perceived as a state of mind can be discovered and cultivated everywhere, even when we are surrounded by constant noise.

"I believe it’s possible for everyone to discover this silence within themselves. It is there all the time, even when we are surrounded by constant noise. Deep down in the ocean, below the waves and ripples, you can find your internal silence. Standing in the shower, letting the water wash over your head, sitting in front of a crackling fire, swimming across a forest lake or taking a walk over a field: all these can be experiences of perfect stillness too."
Erling Kagge
Writer, explorer

For me personally, the most fascinating fragments of this book are those where the author describes his experiences with the silence of untouched landscapes, the unforgotten moments that brought him deep connection with Nature.

In his book, Kagge views silence also as a space essential for creativity and personal growth. In this space, brand new ideas and solutions can emerge, and we can even reflect on life’s bigger matters.

“Silence: In the Age of Noise” is a must-read for anyone seeking calm and balance in today’s world that never seems to stop chatting.

 

* source: 

“Silence in the Age of Noise” by Erling Kagge (2017).  

Translation from the Norwegian by Becky L. Crook.