The writer reflects on the casual relationships with their neighbors, sharing nicknames for their wife and being familiar with each other’s TV preferences. They are accustomed to the buzzes, dings, and notifications that permeate their daily life, finding comfort in the chaos and noise. However, an article from The Atlantic by Xochitl Gonzalez prompts the writer to consider the value of silence. Gonzalez discusses her experience moving from a noisy Brooklyn neighborhood to a quiet Ivy League school and realizing that silence has a certain aesthetic and allure.
Silence is not just about the absence of noise; it is a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. Quiet spaces like galleries, private clubs, and airport lounges are associated with wealth and sophistication. The writer reflects on the quiet luxury of these spaces, populated by people in understated designer clothing who appreciate the value of peace and quiet. However, the writer also notes the downside of selling silence as a commodity – it can lead to a sense of entitlement among the affluent, as seen in affluent enclaves like Palm Beach in Sydney where residents resist any noise disturbances.
In Palm Beach, residents have opposed applications for extended trading hours for restaurants and other businesses, citing noise concerns. This highlights the power of a vocal minority who advocate for maintaining peace and quiet in their upscale neighborhood. The writer points out the hypocrisy of this stance, as peaceful coexistence should be a shared responsibility regardless of one’s wealth or social status. The writer emphasizes the importance of equal distribution of silence and the need to avoid co-opting peace and quiet for personal gain.
The writer uses humor to highlight the absurdity of wealthy individuals protesting noise disturbances in their exclusive neighborhoods. From complaints about restaurants seeking to expand their capacity to protests against trivia nights and children’s activities, affluent residents often prioritize their desire for silence over community engagement. The writer humorously points out the irony of wealthy individuals demanding silence while inflicting their own noise through complaints and demands for exclusivity. The writer advocates for a more balanced approach to enjoying peace and quiet, emphasizing the importance of sharing silence with others rather than hoarding it for personal benefit.
In conclusion, the writer reflects on the contrast between their own noisy, chaotic lifestyle and the desire for peace and quiet expressed by affluent individuals. The writer humorously notes the tendency for wealthy residents to prioritize their own comfort and convenience over the needs of the community when it comes to noise disturbances. The writer underscores the importance of sharing silence equally and avoiding the cooptation of peace and quiet for personal gain. Ultimately, the writer advocates for a more inclusive and balanced approach to enjoying peace and quiet, one that considers the needs and desires of the community as a whole.
