I think Sir James Jeans took a very interesting approach in analyzing the way in which humans hear. Obviously the title hinted at what the article would discuss, but even then the topic was still very interesting. By starting with why and how we hear, the article then was able to delve into why we hear in the way we do.

I think what was particularly interesting about this article was the relationship between hearing and seeing that Sir James Jeans discussed. As we have talked about multiple times in class, it is difficult for us to separate hearing from seeing, and vice versa. Sir James Jeans brings up the point that by the time hearing had become as “nearly perfected” as the other senses, our visual sense had already become so dominant and so fine tuned that there was no room for hearing to become as powerful and significant. I think this is really important to think of when addressing the material we go over in class. We have to consciously remove the visual aspects from what we listen to, so that when we listen, it is as pure as it possibly can be.

Ultimately, for me, this article brought up a rationale for the issues I have faced in listening to pieces so far. Sir James Jeans essentially explained why I struggle with audio pieces in the way I do, which totally enlightened a new aspect of listening. Because I am so reliant on seeing, I will have to consciously work toward isolating my listening devices when I need to, to improve on my skills throughout the rest of the semester.