In response to:
Most seriously...
I use to write all the time, then I feel a bit disappointed with the answer I am going to give to you... Because sometimes I need noises around, not only the street's ones, but for example, I love to write sitting in a bar, hearing people voices sound and the underground music chosen by the staff...At home I listen to music which bring my mind in a way of thinking on a different level...Other times, I really need blank silent moments... My imagination seems to be pushed by sounds sometimes and starves for the silence on other instants. It just depends on what I write. But most precisely on my mood.
I never thought about what you say about noises and intelligence, I know few of them disturb me but I also like very much "the sound of silence".
go with the flow ...
this is what I mean as well Ray ... the more you fight noise and attempt to turn it off the more it annoys ... the real secret is to find its flow.
For your particualr understanding ... consider the 'equal force in the opposite direction happens in any energy scenario... resistence is futile.. yes?
Pick up on the flow, find your place in it.