Appetite Quote by Henry David Thoreau
“The commonest and cheapest sounds, as the barking of a dog, produce the same effect on fresh and healthy ears that the rarest music does. It depends on your appetite for sound. Just as a crust is sweeter to a healthy appetite than confectionery to a pampered or diseased one.”
About This Quote
Sensory perception of sound varies with the listener's condition; ordinary noises can be as enriching as rare music when one's senses are healthy and receptive.
In simple terms: Sound's impact depends on the listener's health and appetite.
Appetite for sound shapes its value.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Listening to everyday sounds
- Appreciating music
- Evaluating sound environments
- Assessing health impacts on perception
- Comparing ordinary and artistic sounds
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- Designing soundscapes for wellness
- Teaching auditory mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- How does one's physical health influence aesthetic appreciation?
- Can ordinary sounds be as therapeutic as music?