Skip to content

The morning was a wretched time of day for him. He feared…

“The morning was a wretched time of day for him. He feared it and it never brought him any good. On no morning of his life had he ever been in good spirits nor done any good before midday, nor ever had a happy idea, nor devised any pleasure for himself or others. By degrees during the afternoon he…” quote by Hermann Hesse
Download Open image
““The morning was a wretched time of day for him. He feared it and it never brought him any good. On no morning of his life had he ever been in good spirits nor done any good before midday, nor ever had a happy idea, nor devised any pleasure for himself or others. By degrees during the afternoon he warmed and became alive, and only towards evening, on his good days, was he productive active and sometimes, aglow with joy.””

Hermann Hesse

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The character feels dread and unproductivity in the morning, gaining energy and joy only later in the day.

In simple terms: Morning dread, afternoon vitality, evening joy.

Key Takeaway

Accept personal rhythms; schedule demanding tasks for later.

Themes

self-awareness productivity temporal mood psychology routine

Mood

reflective hopeful calm

Type

personal psychological motivational

When to use this quote

  • work planning
  • creative projects
  • personal reflection
  • mental health management

Key Concepts

circadian rhythm motivation energy cycles

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you align your most important work with your natural energy peaks?
  • How can you honor your rhythm without self‑judgment?
A Different Perspective

Not all mornings are productive; some people naturally peak later.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Hermann Hesse

Explore all 951 Hermann Hesse quotes

More Afternoon quotes

Browse all 1,085 Afternoon quotes