If you come, for example, at four in the afternoon, from three o'clock I will begin to be happy. As the time comes, I will feel happier. And at four, I will stir and disturb myself; I will discover the price of happiness! But if you come at any time, I will never know what time I dress my heart ... the rites are necessary
In this passage from "The Little Prince," the speaker expresses how anticipation creates a sense of happiness. The arrival of a loved one at a specific time generates excitement and joy that builds up as the hour approaches. This illustrates how the expectation of an event can bring people emotional fulfillment and a purpose to their waiting.
However, the speaker also suggests that without the structure and rituals of waiting, happiness becomes elusive. If the visitor were to arrive unannounced, the heart remains unprepared and feelings of joy may never be fully realized. Thus, the concept of rites and rituals becomes essential for appreciating moments of happiness in life.
