Silence - a global need

Andrew SCOTT

NOISE pollution is spreading fast throughout the modern world and today it has turned out to be a major problem particularly in the urban areas.

Even in countries such as Sri Lanka during functions such as weddings and parties people are unable to enjoy themselves in a quiet atmosphere primarily due to the loud blare of musical bands and their instruments.

Recent studies in many countries have revealed that if noise continuous to pollute our atmosphere at the rate it does right now, within a few more decades many people will become deaf due to the adverse effect of noise pollution which is now spreading throughout the world like an incurable cancer.

Recent studies in the west have proved that patients from rural areas respond to the same treatment more effectively than those from the urban areas who have to cope with a high level of noise pollution.

All these clearly suggest that man needs quietness for his physical, mental and emotional well-being and to maintain a peaceful mind.

Our modern life with telephones of all sorts ringing everywhere, TVs, radios, music centres, modern kitchen gadgetries, vehicles, agricultural machinery and several other things that produce unbearable noise, is best with an atmosphere charged with noise throughout the day and this disturbs the normal rhythm of the human mind which always opts for a quiet environment.

Man’s working hours have also become noisier than it was earlier with blaring sounds of modern machines and vehicles. Today, all kinds of entertainment and celebrations are incomplete without noise - more the sound the better the enjoyment!

It is ironic that most of the present day people, particularly the younger generation, think that solitude and silence are twin signs of inactivity and sadness and a silent person is often regarded by them as a bore who should be artfully avoided.

Though noise culture has invaded the length and breadth of all countries silence too is an important component of the human life. It is well-known that even in certain serious diseases doctors advise their patients to live away from the noisy atmosphere which prevails in their modern homes.

Continuous noises are not only harmful to the ears but they also have an adverse and serious effect on patients suffering from cardiac and several other diseases that the modern world is heir to.

Recent research has shown that too much noise causes irritation, changes cardio-vascular, endocrine and neurological functions in the human body and it can cause ulcers of all kinds and elevate the blood pressure resulting in heart failure.

A quiet environment which has a grace of its own always has a soothing effect on anyone’s mind.

It is because man by nature seeks quietness that beautiful and natural surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of the urban areas are chosen to spend the holidays which are greatly valued and appreciated as very relaxing both to the mind as well as to the body.

Silence is something so important and gracious that all of us should really cherish and it is silence that helps mother nature to maintain its rhythm.

It is a prerequisite for rest, relaxation, convalescence and intellectual activity and silence helps one to work more efficiently and rewardingly.

On the other hand noise results in negative emotions such as anger, restlessness, fatigue, confusion and irritability while tranquil surroundings and a noiseless atmosphere produces positive emotions.

The bad effects of noise had been recognised even during the ancient times and high pitched noises were made use of to torture criminals and prisoners of war.

Noise pollutes the atmosphere, raises the heart and pulse rates of human beings, constricts the blood vessels and causes nervousness, annoyance, fear and anxiety.

We must accept the charms of silence and must try to reduce the hazards of noise pollution even in our homes and working places such as factories and other places of work.

It is interesting to note that cushions made of cloth and cloth coverings for furniture help in the absorption of noise and eliminates echoes and that’s why the noise in an empty room is more pronounced than in a furnished room.

So, do everything in your power to create a quiet environment around you and strive to maintain your mental and physical health in prim condition throughout your life.