Paul Luckraft reviews ‘Noise’ by Steve Maltz (Saffron Planet Publishing, 2018)

This slim volume is a follow-up to Maltz’s last book, Into the Lion’s Den, in which he explored the origins and consequences of Cultural Marxism.

‘Noise’ is a simpler book on the same topic, intended to be given away to anyone not yet familiar with the way Western society has changed so radically in recent decades - and why. As such it has a more evangelistic flavour to it.

Confronting the ‘Data Infestation’

The title reflects the fact that today we are surrounded by a clamour of competing and distracting voices. This ‘data infestation’ hampers our attempts to find a true understanding of the world and our part in it.

The book has seven chapters, prefaced by a short introduction which sets the tone in a straightforward but telling manner that makes you want to read on. Maltz argues that this is a time when “focus, reflection and deeper thinking is really needed” (p6) but instead we are assailed and distracted by noise of all kinds, visual as well as verbal. Our brains are “impressive organs, but they are not designed to cope with such a maelstrom and the outcome is confusion and a lack of focus” (p6).

Maltz explains that “the book explores ways of analysing and filtering the torrents of data that bombard us” (p7). He urges us to reclaim our brains, confront the wall of noise and engage in ‘a search for sense’ (the book’s subtitle).

‘Noise’ is a simpler book on Cultural Marxism intended to be given away to anyone not yet familiar with the way Western society has changed so radically in recent decades - and why.

Sources of Noise

Chapter 1 uses material from Into the Lion’s Den to show how the original global economic vision of Marxism was later reinvented into what is now known as Cultural Marxism, infiltrating and re-directing Western societies from the 1960s onwards. This is a potted account with some useful extra updates, which serve as a timely reminder that life has not stood still in the months since this previous volume was published.

In concise, readable prose, Maltz then surveys the ‘Swinging 60s’ and examines the developing stranglehold of political correctness. His excellent analysis builds up a picture by the end of chapter 4 of the relentless invasion of cultural ‘noise’, convincing us that we must learn how to apply our critical faculties to filter it out.

In subsequent chapters, other sources of unnecessary ‘noise’ are unpacked, from the psychological legacies of ancient Greek thinking (a theme of several of Maltz’s previous books) to the spiritual noise coming from the more recent penetration of Eastern religions into Western society.

Discovering Sense and Purpose

Repeatedly throughout the book, Maltz asks, ‘Is there any sense amidst the noise?’ His concern is that sense is being constantly drowned out by a cacophony of other ‘truths’ clashing and grating against each other. We cannot rely on the one who shouts the loudest to provide us with the truth we need.

Maltz takes this theme further, challenging readers to focus on one key question amid all the noise: ‘do you believe there is any purpose to your life?’ The noisiness all around us is “the great disrupter and thwarter of destinies” (p76). If we can filter out the nonsense that attempts to distract and derail us, then we may find the certainty for which we yearn.

Maltz’s concern is that sense is being constantly drowned out by a cacophony of other ‘truths’ clashing and grating against each other.

Throughout the book the author makes good use of italics to emphasise the main points, usually in question form. Clearly he wants his readers to stop every so often and really think, which makes it a good book to give to those who are seeking sense and truth amidst the noise.

As a further incentive, there is an offer of a free copy of one of his earlier books to those who email in explaining how this book has been useful. There is also a special offer of ten copies for £25 (half price) for those wishing to bulk buy to give away.

‘Noise: A Search for Sense’ (78pp, paperback) is available from the publisher for £5, or 10 copies for £25.