BYU Speeches Lessons from Noise: Crackle to Calm | Kent L. Gee | June 2025
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Jun 4, 2025 Kent L. Gee, Chair of BYU's Department of Physics and Astronomy and a distinguished educator, reflects on the impact of noise in our lives. He discusses how negative emotions can skew our purpose, advocating for a mindful approach to our environments. The conversation dives into the science of acoustics and highlights the health risks of noise pollution, linking it to serious conditions like cardiovascular disease. Gee emphasizes the importance of finding calm amid chaos, exploring innovative noise reduction technologies and personal strategies to navigate distractions.
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Imposter Syndrome as Noise
- Kent L. Gee experienced imposter syndrome upon receiving BYU's Karl G. Maeser Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Award.
- He realized these feelings were noise that blocked his gratitude and determination to serve others better.
Understanding Sound and Decibels
- Our ears hear pressure waves over a wide range of frequencies and amplitudes.
- We use decibels on a logarithmic scale to measure sound intensity and perceived loudness.
Noise's Broad Negative Impacts
- Noise exposure causes health issues from hearing loss to cardiovascular diseases and even increases violent crime.
- A small noise increase near airports correlates with a measurable rise in violent crimes.