In the book "Bittersweet Symphony" by Rebecca McNutt, the character Bernie expresses a deep disdain for small talk. He finds conversations about mundane topics like the weather or sports to be pointless and trivial, contributing to what he sees as a waste of valuable time. For him, such exchanges lack depth and significance, failing to engage with life's real issues.

Bernie's resentment highlights a broader critique of societal habits that prioritize superficial interactions over meaningful connections. He believes that individuals squander their fleeting years on earth by indulging in idle chatter instead of pursuing serious and impactful discussions.