Ambrose Bierce on Noise

Noise, n. A stench in the ear. Undomesticated music. The chief product and authenticating sign of civilization.

- The Devil’s Dictionary (1911)

The Devil’s Dictionary was begun in a weekly paper in 1881, and was continued in a desultory way at long intervals until 1906. Seven years later, at the age of 71 Amrbose Bierce left for Mexico “with a pretty definite purpose, which, however, is not a present disclosable.” He was never heard from again.