Silence: Lectures and Writings

by John Cage
Silence: Lectures and Writings cover
Good Books rating 4.27
Essays / Essay Collections
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  • ID: 9591
  • Added: 2026-01-01
  • Updated: 2026-01-01
  • ISBN: 9780819570642
  • Publisher: Wesleyan University Press
  • Published: 2012-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

John Cage is celebrated as a pioneer of avant-garde music, known for his originality and refreshing approach to creation. His work is not about preaching but about experiencing the world in a new way. Cage's perspective on silence is particularly intriguing; he argues that there is no such thing as an empty space or time, and that sounds occur whether intended or not. This book delves into his philosophy, offering a carefree exploration of the infinite, where humanity and nature are intertwined./n/nCage's ideas are not just about music but about a way of living. He encourages a psychological shift towards the unintended sounds around us, suggesting that this is not a loss but a harmonious coexistence with nature. His work is described as spirited and fun, a skinny-dipping in the infinite that is both refreshing and thought-provoking. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art, philosophy, and the natural world.

Reviews
Reddit - Classical Music · 2022-01-01
thought-provoking 4.00

The book is a thought-provoking read that invites discussion and reflection. It's a collection that begs to be shared and debated, rather than just absorbed.

Reading 'Silence' by John Cage is like embarking on a journey that challenges your understanding of sound and music. The book is a collection of lectures and writings that are as thought-provoking as they are entertaining. It's the kind of book that begs to be discussed, rather than just absorbed. The ideas presented are not just about silence but also about the sounds around us and how we perceive them. It's a book that invites you to think, reflect, and engage in meaningful discussions with others.

Quick quotes

    I'm reading Silence for the first time, and I feel that this is the kind of book that begs to be discussed, rather than just absorbed.

    Cage's writings are a journey into the world of sound and music, challenging our perceptions and inviting us to think differently.

    This book is a treasure trove of ideas that will spark meaningful discussions and reflections.

Amazon · 2020-01-01
delightful 4.60

The book is a delightful and humorous read, with Cage's unique character shining through. It's a collection that is both enjoyable and thought-provoking.

John Cage's 'Silence' is a collection of lectures and writings that is as enjoyable as it is thought-provoking. Cage's unique and humorous character shines through in his writings, making it a delightful read. The book is not just about silence but also about the sounds around us and how we perceive them. It's a collection that invites you to think differently about music and the world of sounds. The ideas presented are both challenging and entertaining, making it a must-read for anyone interested in avant-garde music and philosophy.

Quick quotes

    I think this book is one of the very few. Cage's extravagant and uniquely enjoyable and humorous character is flowing out of these pages!

    This collection of essays and lectures is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of music, philosophy, and art.

    Cage's writings are a journey into the world of sound and music, challenging our perceptions and inviting us to think differently.

Goodreads · 2010-01-01
intriguing 4.20

The book is entertaining and unpredictable, with Cage's experimental writing style and unique typesetting. It's a fresh read that challenges conventional notions of silence and music.

This collection of lectures and writings by John Cage is anything but silent. It's a vibrant and engaging exploration of sound, music, and the spaces in between. Cage's experimental approach to writing, including his use of chance operations and unconventional typesetting, makes for a fresh and unpredictable reading experience. He invites readers to reconsider their perceptions of silence and the world of sounds around us. The book is not just about ideas but produces them, making it a thought-provoking journey for anyone interested in avant-garde music and philosophy.

Quick quotes

    It's a really entertaining read- it's fresh and unpredictable.

    Cage is nothing if not consistent: he writes experimentally, weird typesetting, chance operations.

    This collection of essays and lectures is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of music, philosophy, and art.

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