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“Language and hearing are seated in the cerebral cortex, the folded gray matter that covers the first couple of millimeters of the outer brain like wrapping paper. When one experiences silence, absent even reading, the cerebral cortex typically rests. Meanwhile, deeper and more ancient brain…” quote by Michael Finkel
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““Language and hearing are seated in the cerebral cortex, the folded gray matter that covers the first couple of millimeters of the outer brain like wrapping paper. When one experiences silence, absent even reading, the cerebral cortex typically rests. Meanwhile, deeper and more ancient brain structures seem to be activated--the subcortical zones. People who live busy, noisy lives are rarely granted access to these areas. Silence, it appears, is not the opposite of sound. It is another world altogether, literally offering a deeper level of thought, a journey to the bedrock of the self.””

Michael Finkel

About This Quote

Source Book: Neuroscience of Silence, 2018

Silence engages deeper brain regions, offering profound thought beyond auditory processing.

In simple terms: Quiet moments unlock deeper thinking.

Key Takeaway

Seek regular silence.

Themes

mindfulness neuroscience self-awareness

Mood

calm reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • meditation retreats
  • quiet workspaces
  • creative brainstorming

Key Concepts

cortical activity subcortical activation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can silence be integrated into daily life?
  • What benefits arise from reduced auditory input?
A Different Perspective

Noise can disrupt access to deeper cognition.

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