The idea of an absolute silence functions as a necessary reset point for thought

Evidence

It follows, I have noted this before, that silence is how we reset meters, and timing, and all the rhythms and measurements that flow from such notions. Without such absolutes, without the idea of an absolute at which measurement ends, we would have no starting point for nor end to our philosophies. No dropping back to zero, no de-clutching of our geared structures, no end to gauging, no reboot of madly cycling programs. — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels, 531

Categorization

• corroborated: 3 independent passages support this claim — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels: The Quest for Absolute…, 531
• XREF: connects to: Creative thought requires an initial silence that clears prior mental assumptions — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels: The Quest for Absolute…, 453; Humans invent pseudoabsolutes to measure things since true absolutes do not exist — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels: The Quest for Absolute…, 524; Perfect silence as an unattainable absolute still functions as real and necessary (+29 more)

Library Connections

• Pure, absolute silence has never existed and cannot exist #contradicts (0.88) — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels, 603
• Silence resets the audience’s mental frame before a performance can begin #exemplifies (0.87) — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels, 257
• The brain amplifies internal noise so total silence cannot be perceived #contradicts (0.85) — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels, 609

Broader Connections

• Silence is an active presence that must be experienced, not imagined #expands (0.80) — Gordon Hempton, John Grossmann, One Square Inch of Silence- One Man’s…, 26
• The act of hearing itself may make true absolute silence unattainable #contradicts (0.75) — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels, 526
• Silence takes its meaning from surrounding sound #qualifies (0.70) — Schafer, Murray R, The Soundscape- Our Sonic Environment…, 864
• Extreme physical silence can produce deep restfulness rather than only distress #corroborates (0.68) — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels, 496