This quote from Jean-Paul Sartre's "Nausea" reflects a sense of existential frustration with time. It suggests that the hours on a clock often feel misaligned with our desires and intentions, creating a dissonance between our ambitions and our reality. At three o'clock, one might feel that they have missed opportunities or that the moment isn't right for action, which underscores the subjective experience of time in relation to personal goals and aspirations.
Sartre's perspective evokes a broader philosophical contemplation about the nature of existence and our perpetual struggle against the constraints imposed by time. The implication is that there is never a perfect moment; individuals are often trapped in a cycle of postponing their desires, leading to a sense of existential discontent. This quote encapsulates Sartre's exploration of angst and the human condition, reminding us that the pursuit of meaningful action can feel perpetually out of reach.