In this country people don't respect the morning. An alarm clock violently wakes them up, shatters their sleep like the blow of an ax, and they immediately surrender themselves to deadly haste. Can you tell me what kind of day can follow a beginning of such violence? What happens to people whose alarm clock daily gives them a small electric shock? Each day they become more used to violence and less used to pleasure. Believe me, it is the mornings that determine a man's character.
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.
