Anticipation Quote by Karl Ove Knausgård
““When the wave, equally suddenly, retreated, it left a void which resembled that of the morning, yet had a character of its own, because though the pattern was repeated it was in reverse order: the scattered schoolchildren who passed my window now were on their way home and there was something unrestrained and boisterous about them, whereas when they had walked past on their way to school in the morning they still bore the silent imprint of sleep and the innate wariness we feel toward things that have not yet begun.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: My Struggle, Book 5, 2011
Observes how a familiar scene changes when reversed in time, highlighting the contrast between morning sleepiness and evening exuberance.
In simple terms: Morning and evening crowds feel different because of their context.
Key Takeaway
Notice how context shifts perception.
Themes
perception
time
routine
human behavior
Mood
reflective
contemplative
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- commuting
- observing crowds
- writing
- mindful walking
Key Concepts
temporality
contrast
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does context alter your feelings about a scene?
- What everyday moments do you overlook?
A Different Perspective
The description may romanticize ordinary moments.
![“[It is hard to know what is good luck and what isn't and therefore whether we should be happy or sad about it. Only time will tell. For example...] The Talmud relates a story about two people who wanted to travel by boat. One broke his foot and was unable to make the trip, while his friend got on…” quote by Zelig Pliskin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/68d/zelig-pliskin-22951_anticipation_it-is-hard-to-know-what-is-good-luck-and_34545.jpg)
![“The only thing is that ordinarily when I do dance with [women] they think I am suddenly going to throw them over a table or twist them all around. All I want to do is one-two, one-two-three - a simple fox trot. But they're shaking with anticipation at the thought that I'm about to whip them around…” quote by Gene Kelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/073/gene-kelly-11878_anticipation_the-only-thing-is-that-ordinarily-when-i_44100.jpg)
