BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

BBC Radio 4 LW

Noise: A Human History: The Search for Silence

The Search for Silence

Noise: A Human History

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Noise: A Human History, The Search for Silence

Silence has become an ever more desirable state. But when we have it, is it what we want?

David Hendy considers the modern quest for quiet, and asks whether what really makes us happy is as little noise as possible.

In the noisy modern world, silence has become an ever more desirable - and fashionable - state. We read books about it, go on retreats to find it, and soundproof our living and working spaces in its name. But when we have it is it what we want? 

Professor David Hendy of the University of Sussex considers the modern quest for quiet and asks whether what really makes us humans happy is a little noise.

Conclusion of the 30-part series made in collaboration with the British Library Sound Archive.

Signature tune composed by Joe Acheson. 
Producer: Matt Thompson

A Rockethouse production for BBC Radio 4.

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Documentaries

Factual: History

Prof David Hendy on the role of sound and listening in 100,000 years of human history.

Prof David Hendy presents a 30-part series exploring the role of sound, and listening, in the past 100,000 years of human history.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Noise: A Human History

The Search for Silence

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4