Milan Kundera, in his work "Farewell Waltz," reflects on the nature of mornings and how the common ritual of waking up can shape a person's day and overall character. He paints a vivid picture of alarm clocks as instruments of violence, describing how they abruptly disrupt sleep and thrust individuals into a frantic pace of life. Kundera suggests that this harsh awakening alters our emotional responses, making us less appreciative of joy and more desensitized to the violence of modern existence.

He argues that the way one begins their day can significantly influence their overall demeanor and attitudes. When mornings start with aggression, it cultivates a mindset that may lead to a continuous cycle of stress and urgency throughout the day. By highlighting the importance of a more respectful and gentle approach to mornings, Kundera urges readers to reconsider how they engage with the start of each day and its profound impact on their lives.