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The Lost Art of Silence: Reconnecting to the Power and Beauty of Quiet
A unique celebration of silence—in art, literature, nature, and spirituality—and an exploration of its ability to bring inner peace, widen our perspectives, and inspire the human spirit in spite of the noise of contemporary life.
Silence is habitually overlooked—after all, throughout our lives, it has to compete with the cacophony of the outside world and our near-constant interior dialogue that judges, analyzes, compares, and questions. But, if we can get past this barrage, there lies a quiet place that’s well worth discovering.
The Lost Art of Silence encourages us to embrace this pursuit and allow the warm light of silence to glow. Invoking the wisdom of many of the greatest writers, thinkers, contemplatives, historians, musicians, and artists, Sarah Anderson reveals the sublime nature of quiet that’s all too often undervalued. Throughout, she shares her own penetrating insights into the potential for silence to transform us. This celebration of silence invites us to widen our perspective and shows its power to inspire the human spirit in spite of the distracting noise of contemporary life.
Silence is habitually overlooked—after all, throughout our lives, it has to compete with the cacophony of the outside world and our near-constant interior dialogue that judges, analyzes, compares, and questions. But, if we can get past this barrage, there lies a quiet place that’s well worth discovering.
The Lost Art of Silence encourages us to embrace this pursuit and allow the warm light of silence to glow. Invoking the wisdom of many of the greatest writers, thinkers, contemplatives, historians, musicians, and artists, Sarah Anderson reveals the sublime nature of quiet that’s all too often undervalued. Throughout, she shares her own penetrating insights into the potential for silence to transform us. This celebration of silence invites us to widen our perspective and shows its power to inspire the human spirit in spite of the distracting noise of contemporary life.
304 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2023
32 people are currently reading
2905 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Anderson
151 books23 followersSarah Anderson learned to knit at a very young age and has been hooked on the fiber crafts ever since. She taught herself to spin at 13, but it was not until 1992 that she became serious about her spinning. She developed a new technique she calls “wrap and roll,” which won her a cover on Spin Off magazine in 2008. She has taught at the Spin-Off Autumn Retreat (SOAR), contributed knit designs to All New Homespun and Handknit, and teaches at many venues. She lives near Snohomish, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
the-discards-of-shame
January 24, 2024I decided to dnf this one. I cannot abide with statements that twist scriptures in the Bible. The author writes that the Bible gives a man permission to hit his wife in order to silence her. I believe that she is referring to Apostle Paul saying that it is a shame for wives to speak in church. I understand it, I also have trouble with that particular scripture but to take it completely out of context is wrong. I get a distinct feeling that the author doesn't like Christians, that is her business but to completely twist a scripture to prove a point, wrong!!
February 10, 2024
Couldn't stand this "book." The author has obviously spent a lot of time researching sources here, however, it's pretty much [sentence by author] [quote from someone else] over and over again. This doesn't make for much of a read, nor any deep insights. Not impressed, read less than 3 chapters, even skipping around to try to find something that grabbed me. Pass.
December 3, 2023
No surprise, but THE LOST OF ART OF SILENCE by Sarah Anderson is like nothing I've ever read before. It's a meditation, wide-ranging discussion, memoir, thought-provoking wonder. My lifelong quest for silence around me, my growing reaction to enforced busyness and nonstop talking, the simplicity of a forest so remote I can sit quietly and feel the forest around me -- all my unspoken, unexpressed yearning is wonderfully described, explored, and written in this book I will cherish forever. I received a copy of this book and these thoughts are my own, unbiased opinions.
March 26, 2024
"The Lost Art of Silence: Reconnecting to the Power and Beauty of Quiet" by Sarah Anderson explores the profound value of silence in a world inundated with noise and distraction. Silence, often overlooked amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, holds immense physical, spiritual, and creative benefits.
Anderson begins by highlighting the physical advantages of silence, emphasizing its role in reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and bolstering the immune system. She argues that amidst the incessant clamor of the world, silence offers a sanctuary for the mind and body to reset and rejuvenate.
Moving beyond its physical benefits, Anderson delves into the spiritual significance of silence. Drawing from various religious traditions and spiritual practices, she demonstrates how silence serves as a conduit for self-discovery, inner peace, and communion with the divine. From Buddhist meditation to Christian monasticism, silence emerges as a universal path towards enlightenment and transcendence.
Nature serves as another avenue for experiencing the richness of silence. Anderson explores how individuals like Annie Dillard and Gordon Hempton have found solace and inspiration in the quietude of natural landscapes. Through their experiences, she underscores the transformative power of silence to deepen our connection with the world around us.
Creativity, too, thrives in the embrace of silence. Anderson examines how renowned artists and writers, from Rainer Maria Rilke to Virginia Woolf, have tapped into the wellspring of inspiration found in moments of quiet contemplation. She argues that silence provides fertile ground for creative expression and emotional introspection, allowing artists to channel their deepest thoughts and emotions into their work.
Throughout the book, Anderson offers practical suggestions for incorporating silence into daily life, whether through designated periods of quiet reflection, meditation, or immersion in nature. She encourages readers to reclaim moments of stillness amidst the noise, recognizing silence as a precious resource that enriches both mind and soul.
In essence, "The Lost Art of Silence" invites readers to rediscover the beauty and power of quiet in an increasingly noisy world. Through stories, insights, and practical guidance, Sarah Anderson encourages us to embrace silence as a source of healing, inspiration, and spiritual growth.
Anderson begins by highlighting the physical advantages of silence, emphasizing its role in reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and bolstering the immune system. She argues that amidst the incessant clamor of the world, silence offers a sanctuary for the mind and body to reset and rejuvenate.
Moving beyond its physical benefits, Anderson delves into the spiritual significance of silence. Drawing from various religious traditions and spiritual practices, she demonstrates how silence serves as a conduit for self-discovery, inner peace, and communion with the divine. From Buddhist meditation to Christian monasticism, silence emerges as a universal path towards enlightenment and transcendence.
Nature serves as another avenue for experiencing the richness of silence. Anderson explores how individuals like Annie Dillard and Gordon Hempton have found solace and inspiration in the quietude of natural landscapes. Through their experiences, she underscores the transformative power of silence to deepen our connection with the world around us.
Creativity, too, thrives in the embrace of silence. Anderson examines how renowned artists and writers, from Rainer Maria Rilke to Virginia Woolf, have tapped into the wellspring of inspiration found in moments of quiet contemplation. She argues that silence provides fertile ground for creative expression and emotional introspection, allowing artists to channel their deepest thoughts and emotions into their work.
Throughout the book, Anderson offers practical suggestions for incorporating silence into daily life, whether through designated periods of quiet reflection, meditation, or immersion in nature. She encourages readers to reclaim moments of stillness amidst the noise, recognizing silence as a precious resource that enriches both mind and soul.
In essence, "The Lost Art of Silence" invites readers to rediscover the beauty and power of quiet in an increasingly noisy world. Through stories, insights, and practical guidance, Sarah Anderson encourages us to embrace silence as a source of healing, inspiration, and spiritual growth.
November 8, 2023
No, the irony of my reviewing a book about silence is not lost on me. Sarah Anderson’s “The Lost Art of Silence” was a deep, heavy read. Her comprehensive analysis into silence’s depiction in art, literature, nature, & spirituality throughout history was intriguing, especially when interspersed with social and/or political commentary. Not my usual cup on tea, but not a wasted effort.
March 26, 2024
I miss silence
For context have 2 young children and home and my toddler likes to makes noise for the sake of noise
This was the book of the day on my favorite app, Blinkist
Here’s an extended excerpt I found super helpful and beneficial:
Silence offers deep and lasting benefits
The benefits of embracing silence are manifold: it can be a powerful tool to reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, unleash creativity, sharpen focus, and aid contemplation. Yet, true silence is becoming increasingly rare. As we navigate a landscape filled with constant noise and distraction, it's essential to recognize the value of silence and actively seek it out.
The onslaught of modern technology and industrialization has paved the way for an ever-increasing cacophony of noise. Silence, and the opportunities it provides for contemplation, reflection, and tranquility, seem to slip through our grasp. But this is not a new problem. Let’s consider the nineteenth century when a bustling city like London was remarkably noisy – much to the chagrin of some of its famous inhabitants. Inventor Charles Babbage, known for his pioneering work on the early computer, famously regarded street noise not merely as a nuisance but as a tormenting distraction. He lodged so many complaints about the incessant street musicians that they gathered outside his window to play songs in protest. Esteemed authors like Charles Dickens and Thomas Carlyle shared similar sentiments, with Carlyle going as far as constructing an extra room at the top of his house to escape the relentless commotion of the street.
Carlyle could have always escaped to the woods or a monastery if he wanted peace and quiet. Silent contemplation has long been associated with religious practices. Various orders of monks and nuns have chosen lives of silence or near-silence as a means to connect with the divine. However, the quest for a quieter existence extends beyond religion. Many individuals unaffiliated with religious institutions have sought solace in the quiet life, sometimes becoming secular hermits for a temporary respite or even a lifetime. Henry David Thoreau, a renowned transcendentalist philosopher, found solace and inspiration in the peacefulness of Walden Pond, where he conducted silent studies of the unassuming moss. Another literary figure, Jack Kerouac, embarked on a journey of silence through walking, immersing himself in solitude until the silence became "deafening".
Yet, for most of us, constructing an extra room or retreating to the wilderness for an indefinite period isn’t a practical solution. So, how can we incorporate the benefits of silence into our busy lives?
One simple approach is to designate specific periods of silence. Anne D. LeClaire, a writer and broadcaster, advocates for what she calls "Silent Mondays." During this time, she refrains from talking to anyone, even her partner, and avoids all forms of written communication, including email, messaging apps, and social media. For her, this break from the constant chatter of daily life is restorative and rejuvenating. It allows her to reconnect with the stillness within and tap into the remarkable benefits that silence can offer.
Consider setting aside moments for silence in your life. Whether it's a Silent Monday, a brief pause in your daily routine, or a meditative walk in nature, these moments of stillness can provide you with the mental clarity, creative inspiration, and inner peace that are often elusive in the modern world.
Another significant excerpt:
…periods of silence are woven into the fabric of daily life. Some monks and nuns dedicate their entire lives to living in silence. The twelfth-century monk Alberic poetically described silence as "a place for bumping into yourself," highlighting its role in deep introspection and self-discovery. Quakers employ silence as a tool, gathering in silent meetings to foster spiritual connection. Southeast Asian Buddhism even boasts 21 different words to describe various facets of silence.
In essence, almost every religion acknowledges that the path to divine communion often traverses through the hushed corridors of silence.
Meditation, which shares linguistic roots with the word medicine, represents a quest to discover true silence – one that transcends the ceaseless chatter of our thoughts. Within this silence, our minds expand and our hearts open. The Benedictine monk John Main aptly noted that when the world fails to offer satisfaction, we can turn inward through meditation to explore the untapped depths of our inner silence.
Note, however, that inner silence is not something we possess; it is an ongoing journey. Spiritual writer Thomas Merton emphasized that clinging to a presumed permanent state of silence can lead to spiritual stagnation. He cautioned that when we stop seeking, the silence within us wanes.
Interestingly, meditation, rooted in the pursuit of silence, extends its benefits beyond the realm of spirituality. Many atheists and non-believers have embraced meditation to access its myriad advantages. This practice calms the vagus nerve, bolstering our immune system and offering potential benefits for conditions ranging from Alzheimer's disease to depression – an illustration of the intricate mind-body connection at work.
Getting started with meditation is accessible to anyone, irrespective of belief or background. It requires no special equipment or extensive time commitments. Begin by setting aside a dedicated time, ideally with regular sessions to maximize its effectiveness. Find a comfortable space, infuse mindfulness into your meditation, and embark on your journey of inner exploration. Although focusing the mind may initially pose a challenge, perseverance leads to mastery.
You could also try group meditation, which amplifies the benefits of this practice. It fosters relaxation, reduces stress, enhances emotional well-being, and improves mental clarity. Moreover, it nurtures a sense of belonging and connection, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining good mental health. Many practitioners report reaching deeper levels of meditation and profound experiences during collective sessions, although such moments are equally attainable in individual practice.
In a world brimming with noise and distraction, the pursuit of silence – whether through meditation, group practice, or innovative techniques – remains a powerful and universally accessible tool for nurturing our spiritual essence and nourishing our well-being.
For context have 2 young children and home and my toddler likes to makes noise for the sake of noise
This was the book of the day on my favorite app, Blinkist
Here’s an extended excerpt I found super helpful and beneficial:
Silence offers deep and lasting benefits
The benefits of embracing silence are manifold: it can be a powerful tool to reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, unleash creativity, sharpen focus, and aid contemplation. Yet, true silence is becoming increasingly rare. As we navigate a landscape filled with constant noise and distraction, it's essential to recognize the value of silence and actively seek it out.
The onslaught of modern technology and industrialization has paved the way for an ever-increasing cacophony of noise. Silence, and the opportunities it provides for contemplation, reflection, and tranquility, seem to slip through our grasp. But this is not a new problem. Let’s consider the nineteenth century when a bustling city like London was remarkably noisy – much to the chagrin of some of its famous inhabitants. Inventor Charles Babbage, known for his pioneering work on the early computer, famously regarded street noise not merely as a nuisance but as a tormenting distraction. He lodged so many complaints about the incessant street musicians that they gathered outside his window to play songs in protest. Esteemed authors like Charles Dickens and Thomas Carlyle shared similar sentiments, with Carlyle going as far as constructing an extra room at the top of his house to escape the relentless commotion of the street.
Carlyle could have always escaped to the woods or a monastery if he wanted peace and quiet. Silent contemplation has long been associated with religious practices. Various orders of monks and nuns have chosen lives of silence or near-silence as a means to connect with the divine. However, the quest for a quieter existence extends beyond religion. Many individuals unaffiliated with religious institutions have sought solace in the quiet life, sometimes becoming secular hermits for a temporary respite or even a lifetime. Henry David Thoreau, a renowned transcendentalist philosopher, found solace and inspiration in the peacefulness of Walden Pond, where he conducted silent studies of the unassuming moss. Another literary figure, Jack Kerouac, embarked on a journey of silence through walking, immersing himself in solitude until the silence became "deafening".
Yet, for most of us, constructing an extra room or retreating to the wilderness for an indefinite period isn’t a practical solution. So, how can we incorporate the benefits of silence into our busy lives?
One simple approach is to designate specific periods of silence. Anne D. LeClaire, a writer and broadcaster, advocates for what she calls "Silent Mondays." During this time, she refrains from talking to anyone, even her partner, and avoids all forms of written communication, including email, messaging apps, and social media. For her, this break from the constant chatter of daily life is restorative and rejuvenating. It allows her to reconnect with the stillness within and tap into the remarkable benefits that silence can offer.
Consider setting aside moments for silence in your life. Whether it's a Silent Monday, a brief pause in your daily routine, or a meditative walk in nature, these moments of stillness can provide you with the mental clarity, creative inspiration, and inner peace that are often elusive in the modern world.
Another significant excerpt:
…periods of silence are woven into the fabric of daily life. Some monks and nuns dedicate their entire lives to living in silence. The twelfth-century monk Alberic poetically described silence as "a place for bumping into yourself," highlighting its role in deep introspection and self-discovery. Quakers employ silence as a tool, gathering in silent meetings to foster spiritual connection. Southeast Asian Buddhism even boasts 21 different words to describe various facets of silence.
In essence, almost every religion acknowledges that the path to divine communion often traverses through the hushed corridors of silence.
Meditation, which shares linguistic roots with the word medicine, represents a quest to discover true silence – one that transcends the ceaseless chatter of our thoughts. Within this silence, our minds expand and our hearts open. The Benedictine monk John Main aptly noted that when the world fails to offer satisfaction, we can turn inward through meditation to explore the untapped depths of our inner silence.
Note, however, that inner silence is not something we possess; it is an ongoing journey. Spiritual writer Thomas Merton emphasized that clinging to a presumed permanent state of silence can lead to spiritual stagnation. He cautioned that when we stop seeking, the silence within us wanes.
Interestingly, meditation, rooted in the pursuit of silence, extends its benefits beyond the realm of spirituality. Many atheists and non-believers have embraced meditation to access its myriad advantages. This practice calms the vagus nerve, bolstering our immune system and offering potential benefits for conditions ranging from Alzheimer's disease to depression – an illustration of the intricate mind-body connection at work.
Getting started with meditation is accessible to anyone, irrespective of belief or background. It requires no special equipment or extensive time commitments. Begin by setting aside a dedicated time, ideally with regular sessions to maximize its effectiveness. Find a comfortable space, infuse mindfulness into your meditation, and embark on your journey of inner exploration. Although focusing the mind may initially pose a challenge, perseverance leads to mastery.
You could also try group meditation, which amplifies the benefits of this practice. It fosters relaxation, reduces stress, enhances emotional well-being, and improves mental clarity. Moreover, it nurtures a sense of belonging and connection, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining good mental health. Many practitioners report reaching deeper levels of meditation and profound experiences during collective sessions, although such moments are equally attainable in individual practice.
In a world brimming with noise and distraction, the pursuit of silence – whether through meditation, group practice, or innovative techniques – remains a powerful and universally accessible tool for nurturing our spiritual essence and nourishing our well-being.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
October 30, 2023The Lost Art of Silence is a book that covers all of the different aspects of silence in different subjects such as art, literature, nature, and spirituality. Each section is packed with famous people's opinions and quotes about silence, its benefits, its powers, and also its negatives. This book read more like a reference guide to silence, including every reference to silence within the subjects I mentioned at the beginning of this review. This is not a scientific book or a historiographical book on silence, but rather, a guide on how to invoke and inspire silence into our lives.
As someone that appreciates peace and quiet, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that some of the greatest thinkers, artists, and minds of our recent past have each appreciated and needed the absence of noise for their own creative, mental, physical, and spiritual well being. There are so many famous works that have explored silence that I need to look up now that were mentioned in this book. The depth and descriptiveness of silence that various individuals articulated throughout time was both poetic and spiritual, capturing the beauty of its power and magic.
This book has helped to re-evaluate my own relationship to silence and why it is valued and needed within my own life.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
As someone that appreciates peace and quiet, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that some of the greatest thinkers, artists, and minds of our recent past have each appreciated and needed the absence of noise for their own creative, mental, physical, and spiritual well being. There are so many famous works that have explored silence that I need to look up now that were mentioned in this book. The depth and descriptiveness of silence that various individuals articulated throughout time was both poetic and spiritual, capturing the beauty of its power and magic.
This book has helped to re-evaluate my own relationship to silence and why it is valued and needed within my own life.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2024
Summary:
Silence brings myriad benefits to both mind and body. Allow yourself to feel connected to the ethereal through silent spiritual practices, and to be inspired by artists who place silence at the center of their creative process. Gift yourself a dedicated window of time for silence in your daily life by spending time in nature, meditation, and contemplating art.
Silence brings myriad benefits to both mind and body. Allow yourself to feel connected to the ethereal through silent spiritual practices, and to be inspired by artists who place silence at the center of their creative process. Gift yourself a dedicated window of time for silence in your daily life by spending time in nature, meditation, and contemplating art.
March 26, 2024
Silence brings myriad benefits to both mind and body. Allow yourself to feel connected to the ethereal through silent spiritual practices, and to be inspired by artists who place silence at the center of their creative process. Gift yourself a dedicated window of time for silence in your daily life by spending time in nature, meditation, and contemplating art.
Read
March 4, 2024The Lost Art of Silence by Sarah Anderson is a great read. It is beautifully written, deeply reflective and packed with references. I enjoyed the combination of personal and impersonal. This book deserves to be nominated for a literary award and I thoroughly recommend it.
April 12, 2025
It started out good, but one quickly notices how choppy and poorly written the book is. It’s just a string of quotes and name dropping of people we are supposed to have heard of or even care that she met. No depth and all.
December 18, 2023
A wonderfully written book on a subject that’s more important than ever, combining personal anecdotes with research.
March 3, 2024
All you ever wanted to know about being quiet!
March 5, 2024
Maybe I am not the right reader for this book. To be honest, I am too bored to read this book.
March 26, 2024
I read the Blinkist abridgement
April 8, 2024
This book gave so much noise in my head. No thanks
May 21, 2024
This book took me by surprise. It measured the area and perimeters of silence. It gave the word depth and meaning. I am in awe of all the research that the author had gone through.
August 30, 2024
Not what I was expecting from the title/subtitle. Mostly a mix of facts/storytelling and assumptions regarding silence within different genres (e.g., arts, music, etc.).
April 1, 2025
great book
Very inspiring. There’s a lot of good information in here. Not exactly what I expected but a good read nonetheless.
Very inspiring. There’s a lot of good information in here. Not exactly what I expected but a good read nonetheless.
October 31, 2024
Definitely didn't end up being what I expected, but an interesting read nonetheless. It's also interesting to note that she has a background in the psychology of religion, which explains why she goes so much into spirituality. Once I recognized this book as more of her passion project about silence that was published, it became easier to read.
August 10, 2025
An educated book which discusses all forms of silence - from meditation in the home to monasteries and monks. But, after a while the book seems to become repetitive, repeating methods of silence just in different environments.
March 25, 2024
Was decent until it touched on the whole spirituality stuff.
Fav takeaway:
- In Japanese, the word shinshin encapsulates the essence of snow falling. Shin describes the absence of sound where there was once noise.
Notes:
- In a noisy world, the immense benefits of silence, often go unnoticed. Yet, embracing moments of quietude can be transformative for the mind, body, and soul.
- Physically, silence offers respite for our overstimulated senses. Studies have shown that silence can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even enhance the immune system.
- The onslaught of modern technology and industrialization has paved the way for an ever-increasing cacophony of noise
- Many individuals unaffiliated with religious institutions have sought solace in the quiet life, sometimes becoming secular hermits for a temporary respite or even a lifetime.
- In the midst of this purposeful stillness, we begin to perceive it: the absence of sound.
- A 2013 study involving mice exposed to ambient noise compared to those given two hours of daily silence revealed a fascinating outcome: the mice in silence actually started growing new brain cells. This discovery underscores the transformative potential of silence on the mind and body.
- Getting started with meditation is accessible to anyone, irrespective of belief or background.
Fav story:
- Anne D. LeClaire, a writer and broadcaster, advocates for what she calls "Silent Mondays." During this time, she refrains from talking to anyone, even her partner, and avoids all forms of written communication, including email, messaging apps, and social media. For her, this break from the constant chatter of daily life is restorative and rejuvenating. It allows her to reconnect with the stillness within and tap into the remarkable benefits that silence can offer.
Fav takeaway:
- In Japanese, the word shinshin encapsulates the essence of snow falling. Shin describes the absence of sound where there was once noise.
Notes:
- In a noisy world, the immense benefits of silence, often go unnoticed. Yet, embracing moments of quietude can be transformative for the mind, body, and soul.
- Physically, silence offers respite for our overstimulated senses. Studies have shown that silence can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even enhance the immune system.
- The onslaught of modern technology and industrialization has paved the way for an ever-increasing cacophony of noise
- Many individuals unaffiliated with religious institutions have sought solace in the quiet life, sometimes becoming secular hermits for a temporary respite or even a lifetime.
- In the midst of this purposeful stillness, we begin to perceive it: the absence of sound.
- A 2013 study involving mice exposed to ambient noise compared to those given two hours of daily silence revealed a fascinating outcome: the mice in silence actually started growing new brain cells. This discovery underscores the transformative potential of silence on the mind and body.
- Getting started with meditation is accessible to anyone, irrespective of belief or background.
Fav story:
- Anne D. LeClaire, a writer and broadcaster, advocates for what she calls "Silent Mondays." During this time, she refrains from talking to anyone, even her partner, and avoids all forms of written communication, including email, messaging apps, and social media. For her, this break from the constant chatter of daily life is restorative and rejuvenating. It allows her to reconnect with the stillness within and tap into the remarkable benefits that silence can offer.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews