“One of the worst effects of haste, or of the fear engendered by it, is the apparent inability of modern man to spend even the shortest time alone. He anxiously avoids every possibility of self-communion or meditation, as though he feared that reflection might present him with a ghastly self-portrait, such as that Dorian Gray. The only explanation for the widespread addiction to noise – paradoxical considering how neurasthenic people are today – is that something has to be suppressed. One day, when my wife and i were walking in the woods, we were surprised to hear the rapidly approaching, metallic sounds of the transistor radio. as its owner, alone, sixteen-year old cyclist, came into view, my wife remarked,”He’s afraid of hearing the birds sing.” I think he was on afraid of meeting himself. Why, otherwise, do perfectly intelligent people prefer the inane advertisements on television to their own company? I am sure it s because it helps to dispel reflection.”
- Excerpt From : Civilized Man’s Eight Deadly Sins – Man’s Race Against Himself p-28-29, by Konrad Lorenz
