Quote by Steven Halpern
When Mozart was composing at the end of the eighteenth century, the city of Vienna was so quiet that fire alarms could be given verbally, by a shouting watchman mounted on top of St. Stefan's Cathedral. In twentieth-century society, the noise level is such that it keeps knocking our bodies out of tune and out of their natural rhythms. This ever-increasing assault of sound upon our ears, minds, and bodies adds to the stress load of civilized beings trying to live in a highly complex environment.
Summary
This quote highlights the stark contrast between the quietness of Mozart's time and the noise-filled modern society. It suggests that the constant exposure to noise in the present era disrupts our natural rhythms, potentially affecting our physical and mental well-being. The quote implies that the onslaught of noise contributes to the stress faced by individuals trying to navigate the complexities of contemporary living. By drawing a parallel between the tranquility of Vienna in Mozart's time and the overwhelming noise of the modern world, the quote emphasizes the detrimental impact of excessive noise on our lives.