---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Born in elevators and supermarkets, Muzak…"
description: "\"Born in elevators and supermarkets, Muzak has spread to restaurants, hotels, airplanes, telephone hold services, and waiting rooms. The public-relation..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/daf/john-ralston-saul-3128_absence_born-in-elevators-and-supermarkets-muzak_2925031.jpg"
---

#  Born in elevators and supermarkets, Muzak has spread to…

![“Born in elevators and supermarkets, Muzak has spread to restaurants, hotels, airplanes, telephone hold services, and waiting rooms. The public-relations experts believe that human beings fear silence - that is, the absence of constantly imposed direction. It is further believed that if we can be…” quote by John Ralston Saul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/daf/john-ralston-saul-3128_absence_born-in-elevators-and-supermarkets-muzak_2925031.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/daf/john-ralston-saul-3128_absence_born-in-elevators-and-supermarkets-muzak_2925031.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/daf/john-ralston-saul-3128_absence_born-in-elevators-and-supermarkets-muzak_2925031.jpg)

> “Born in elevators and supermarkets, Muzak has spread to restaurants, hotels, airplanes, telephone hold services, and waiting rooms. The public-relations experts believe that human beings fear silence - that is, the absence of constantly imposed direction. It is further believed that if we can be relieved of our fears, we will gain enough self-confidence to buy, eat, vote, fly, or simply go on living.”

[John Ralston Saul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-ralston-saul/)

## About This Quote

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

Muzak fills public spaces to avoid silence, exploiting fear of directionlessness and encouraging consumer confidence.

**In simple terms:** Background music prevents silence, boosts confidence.

Key Takeaway

Recognize ambient music’s psychological effect.

Themes

marketing psychology environment

Mood

critical observational

Type

analysis culture

When to use this quote

- retail stores
- airports
- waiting rooms

Key Concepts

silence consumer behavior background music

Questions to Reflect On

- How does silence affect your mood?
- When does background music feel intrusive?

A Different Perspective

May manipulate emotions subtly.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

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