Aggressive Quote by Philip Slater
“Motors make noise and that tells you about the feelings and attitudes that went into it. Something was more important than sensory pleasure - nobody would invent a chair or dish that smelled bad or that made horrible noises - why were motors invented noisy? How could they possibly be considered complete or successful inventions with this glaring defect? Unless, of course, the aggressive, hostile, assaultive sound actually served to express some impulse of the owner.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Social Construction of Reality, Philip Slater, 1970
Motors were intentionally noisy to convey the creator’s emotions and attitudes, reflecting a desire for expressive, aggressive sound rather than pure sensory pleasure.
In simple terms: Noise expresses creator’s feelings.
Key Takeaway
Consider how design choices convey emotion.
Themes
design
expression
technology
psychology
culture
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- Product branding
- automotive design
- consumer perception
- marketing strategy
Key Concepts
Semiotics
Aesthetic theory
Industrial design
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions do you associate with noisy products?
- Can functional design balance expression and user comfort?
A Different Perspective
Noise may alienate users seeking quiet comfort.
