Here's a stimulating article on the BBC site in its News Magazine section.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16649957
To some extent monasticism started as a flight from the degradation, distraction and noise of the cities, to the wilderness and silence of the deserts. I disagree with the writer's conclusion that "silence is a condition so rare that it is likely to cause unease rather than bring solace, but agree that "silence is a condition so rare." IMHO the unease is the initial encounter with the real 'you' when the noise is switched off. This needs to be wrestled with and accommodation reached before any type of solace kicks in. All the best spiritual writers and guides will resonate with that. John of the Cross? Julian of Norwich? Et al? I think noise is more of a 'spiritual' question than an environmental one. What do you think?
