In Jan Ellison's book "A Small Indiscretion," there's an exploration of the nature of sound and perception. The author discusses the phenomenon that occurs when a tree falls and generates shock waves. These waves, upon reaching a listener's ear or a device like a microphone, are interpreted as sound. This implies that sound itself is not merely the shock waves but rather a product of our perception and the medium through which we receive these vibrations.

This reflection on the relationship between physical events and human experience emphasizes the complexity of sound. It highlights how reality is not simply based on phenomena but also on our interpretation of them. This philosophical inquiry into the essence of sound prompts readers to consider how much of what we perceive depends on our sensory faculties and the context in which we find ourselves.