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Now, remember: they're not for eating, but for listening…

“Now, remember: they're not for eating, but for listening, because you'll often be hungry for sounds as well as food. Here are street noises at night, train whistles from a long way off, dry leaves burning, busy department stores, crunching toast, creaking bed springs, and of course, all kinds of…” quote by Norton Juster
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““Now, remember: they're not for eating, but for listening, because you'll often be hungry for sounds as well as food. Here are street noises at night, train whistles from a long way off, dry leaves burning, busy department stores, crunching toast, creaking bed springs, and of course, all kinds of laughter. There's a little of each, and in far off, lonely places, I think you will be glad to have them.””

Norton Juster

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Listening enriches us, offering nourishment beyond physical food, especially in quiet or lonely moments.

In simple terms: Listening feeds the soul.

Key Takeaway

Seek diverse sounds for emotional sustenance.

Themes

mindfulness sensory awareness solitude creativity

Mood

contemplative curious

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • meditation
  • writing
  • travel
  • urban exploration

Key Concepts

aesthetic experience psychology of sound

Questions to Reflect On

  • What sounds bring you comfort?
  • How does listening affect your mood?
A Different Perspective

Not everyone values auditory experiences equally.

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