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Sphere Music - Some sounds seem to reverberate along the plain, and then settle to earth again like dust; such are Noise, Discord, Jargon. But such only as spring heavenward, and I may catch from steeples and hilltops in their upward course, which are the more refined parts of the former, are the true sphere music - pure, unmixed music - in which no wail mingles.

Henry David Thoreau#14

CommunicationClarityAestheticsLanguageSoundMusic

About this quote

What does it mean?
Noise and jargon are coarse sounds that settle like dust, while pure, upward‑rising music represents refined, untainted expression.
In plain terms
True music is pure and rises above noise.
What can you take from it?
Strive for clarity and refinement in expression.

Where it applies

  • public speaking
  • writing
  • musical composition

Putting it to work

  • edit out jargon
  • focus on simple melodies

Questions to consider

  • What does pure expression mean to you?
  • How can you filter out noise?

Another view

What is considered 'pure' can be culturally biased.

More from Henry David Thoreau

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