Sound Affects
How Sound Shapes Our Lives, Our Wellbeing and Our Planet
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3 Months Free
Sound Affects
Buy Now for £17.94
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Narrated by:
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Julian Treasure
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By:
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Julian Treasure
'Transformative and a fascinating read; this book will open your ears to the world of sound and change your life' Steven Bartlett, bestselling author of The Diary of a CEO
'A fascinating insight into the power of sound' Susan Cain, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of QUIET
Every day, the sounds around us affect every aspect of our human experience, and thus fundamentally alter our quality of life, for better or worse. It is only recently that scientists have realised that sounds connect us to the world in ways that are every bit as vivid and evocative as visual landscapes. Hearing is the first sense we develop, and as our primary warning sense it is hardwired into our brains. And yet, in an increasingly noisy and distracted world, most people pay scant attention to the sounds around them, causing them to lose contact with the essential skill of listening.
Sound Affects is about rediscovering the wonder of sound, and understanding how powerfully it affects us, whether we are paying attention or not. It is also a manual for taking back responsibility for the sounds we consume and the sounds we make, so we can enhance our own happiness, effectiveness and well-being.
In the process, the listener will discover that:
- stars are like bells, ringing with sound black holes make sound 50 octaves below what we can hear
- snapping shrimp may be only 1cm long but they make sound that's as loud as a rock concert
- whales can communicate underwater over hundreds of miles with very low frequency sound that travels five times as fast as sound in air
- individual cells make unique sounds, enabling scientists detect early signs of metastases
- dolphins have names and call each other by them
Critic reviews
Treasure combines science, practical exercises, and vivid examples. If you listen to the audiobook, you can hear many of the sounds he describes, along with short interviews with scientists. If not, the books website offers a rich library of audio fragments. Throughout the chapters, Treasure encourage readers to pay attention to the soundscape around them and notice how they influence mood, focus and physical health.
The book begins with the basics: how vibrations become hearing, and how the brain interprets distinct kinds of sound. From there Treasure explores how we can use sound intentionally – choosing music that supports concentration, avoiding soundscapes that drain energy and recognising that intention matters more than genre. He also explains the mathematics of sound, from pitch and frequency to decibels, and shows how many modern environments are filled with accidental, poorly designed noises that harm both humans and wildlife.
Treasure widens the lens to the planet and beyond. Earth produces an astonishing range of natural sounds, from gently breezes to volcanic eruptions. And in space, radio telescopes capture the echoes of the big bang and chirps of colliding black holes. The emerging field of asteroseismology – listening to the oscillations of stars- mirrors how seismology reveals the structure of our planet.
A recurring theme in the book is the importance of silence. Silence gives sound meaning, creates rhythm, and allows for awareness. Without silence, everything becomes a blur; with silence, listening becomes intentional and alive. And maybe better listeners to the people around us.
Treasure ends with a single and powerful message: Sound affects you, and you affect sound. By listening consciously – to nature, to our environment, and to each other- we can improve our wellbeing and become more responsible inhabitants of this noise fragile planet.
Sound affects you, and you affect sound
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