Absurd Quote by Gordon Hempton
“How are we going to know what sounds are important before we've even heard those sounds? It's an absurd question. The only thing we can say is that we're going to base it on our past experience. In other words, modern listening doesn't inform us of anything new. It simply keeps us in the past.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Soundscape Research, 2015
Hempton argues that modern listening relies on past experience, limiting the ability to recognize truly new sounds, thus perpetuating a historical bias.
In simple terms: We hear only what we expect based on past.
Key Takeaway
Seek fresh listening perspectives.
Themes
perception
history
innovation
Mood
inquisitive
analytical
Type
exploratory
educational
When to use this quote
- field recordings
- audio analysis
- creative composition
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
sound ecology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we train ears for novelty?
- What methods break auditory habits?
A Different Perspective
Relying on past can stifle discovery.
