People of a certain age have a lot to say about how the younger generations live. Most often, there are admonishments for quiet if someone younger is existing above a decible. Conveniently, most of these folks forget that sound was introduced to keep the empire running, because quiet generally allows time for reflection, which can lead to dissatisfaction. How is anyone supposed to think when they cannot escape noise, even when leaving off their headphones?
First, all the televisions had commercials between shows, reminding people that we all need to buy something. That was insufficient, because then every restaurant started having a playlist, and I mean every restaurant, including fast food. Finally, every space in general has been adapted to host sound, to the point when there are commercials playing on gas pumps. Being in an attention economy means that everyone needs constant attention, and getting time to meditate in quiet would allow imperial constituents to see how fake the empire truly is.
Sadly, the quietest places either have great wealth, or absolutely nothing. This is probably one of the reasons that the empire has been crafted for the wealthy. While the unwashed masses are trying to drown out our lives while being pummeled with sound, the “elites” have access to trees, space, and silence. This allows such people to imagine more ways to extract, rather than placate, the batteries who make the empire function. These folks are not to be distracted from their endgame, even if they are decidedly narrow-minded in their efforts.
There needs to be a rensissance of quiet for everything and everyone. For those who have little, it means fewer demands and less assaults with sound as we go about our lives. Without silence, there is no restoration, and people desperately need yo be replenished to keep existing.
Chasing A Dying Empire 