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Arijit Singh and The Kinks remind us about the importance of peace of mind
In man’s evolution, he has created the city/ And the motor traffic rumble/ But give me half a chance/ And I’d be taking off my clothes and living in the jungle,” sang The Kinks in 1970. ‘Apeman’ is a song of its time, and there are things about it that wouldn’t go over well today — not least Ray Davies’ Caribbean accent. Some things, however, remain just as relevant if not more so, such as the frantic pace of modern urban life. Or indeed, the fear of dying in a nuclear war. The fleeting, unserious wish to escape it all and flee to jungles literal or figurative is a human constant. There’s a word for such weak desires, something one vaguely wants but not enough to act on it: “Velleity”.
That said, there are always those who do go through with it, who quit the rat race and are happier for it. Perhaps Arijit Singh isn’t the best example — after all, a hugely successful artist quitting playback singing to focus on making music that’s fully his own isn’t in the same position as an ordinary, burnt-out employee. It may be more a question of boredom, as he has said, and creative freedom. There is, however, a goal that Singh, the “quiet quitters” who were trending a couple of years ago, and the hippies ‘Apeman’ was arguably satirising, all share: Peace of mind.
It may be an elusive goal in a world that’s going to the stress-inducing dogs, but the resolve to seek it in defiance of pressures, expectations and even one’s own professional ego is to be admired. Perhaps it’s a trend that will pick up in the coming years, at least among those who can afford it. Because, to return to The Kinks and ‘Apeman’, “the air pollution is a-fogging up my eyes”.
Overall Analysis
The editorial is a reflective and cultural commentary on the timeless human desire to escape stress and reclaim peace of mind. It opens with lyrics from The Kinks’ Apeman, immediately setting a nostalgic and ironic tone. By acknowledging aspects of the song that have aged poorly, the author shows awareness of changing social sensitivities, while still extracting its enduring relevance — the anxiety, speed, and pressures of modern life. The reference to nuclear war and urban chaos expands the theme beyond music into broader existential unease.
The author then introduces the concept of velleity, a precise and slightly playful linguistic choice that captures the weak, half-formed desire many people feel to abandon their hectic routines. This term anchors the argument intellectually, bridging personal emotion with philosophical vocabulary. The editorial maintains an informal yet thoughtful style, making abstract ideas accessible without sounding academic.
In the second paragraph, the focus shifts from fantasy to action. By citing Arijit Singh and the idea of “quiet quitting”, the author explores modern examples of stepping back from relentless professional pressure. The editorial is careful to avoid false equivalence, openly admitting that Singh’s privilege sets him apart from ordinary workers. This honesty strengthens the argument. What unites these disparate examples, the author argues, is not laziness or escapism, but a shared pursuit of mental calm and autonomy.
The final paragraph adopts a gently admiring tone. It frames the search for peace of mind as a quiet act of resistance against societal expectations, productivity culture, and personal ambition. The closing return to Apeman lyrics brings the piece full circle, reinforcing the central idea with poetic symmetry. Overall, the language is conversational, allusive, and contemplative, inviting readers to reflect rather than judge.
Important Vocabulary (5)
- Frantic – fast, anxious, and uncontrolled.
- Velleity – a weak or ineffective wish or desire.
- Rat race – a way of life marked by relentless competition and stress.
- Elusive – difficult to achieve or grasp.
- Defiance – open resistance to pressure or expectation.
Conclusion & Tone
The editorial suggests that choosing peace of mind, even quietly and imperfectly, is a valid and admirable response to modern stress. It does not glorify escape but recognises the human need for balance and inner calm.
Tone: Reflective, empathetic, and gently philosophical.
