In a world increasingly dominated by noise and constant communication, the Médiathèque Caroline in Monaco is set to offer a respite for reflection with an upcoming event featuring French author Laurence Joseph. On Friday, January 16, Ms. Joseph will present her essay "Nos Silences: Apprendre à les Écouter" (Our Silences: Learning to Listen to Them), published by Éditions Autrement, in a public discussion that promises to delve into the multifaceted nature of silence.
The event, scheduled from 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the library's auditorium at 5 Promenade Honoré II, is free and open to all. It will explore how silence serves as both a sanctuary and a potential source of isolation in daily life.
Ms. Joseph's work invites participants to consider silence not merely as an absence but as a powerful force that can shelter and protect, yet also enclose or humiliate. Through a sensitive and poetic lens, the essay examines silence's place in human existence, touching on themes such as listening, concentration, duels, ruptures, traumas, and shame - universal elements that resonate across cultures and individuals.
With grace, the author draws on literature, the arts, philosophy, and mythology to uncover the vices and virtues of silence, encouraging attendees to rethink its role in fostering deeper self-understanding and connection.
The gathering will conclude with a book-signing session, allowing audience members to engage directly with Ms. Joseph. Organized in collaboration with the Médiathèque Caroline and Éditions Autrement, this encounter underscores the enduring value of quiet contemplation amid modern life's cacophony.
Photo credits: Philomonaco Instagram