"La nuit est certainement plus nouvelle et moins profane que le jour"

When someone says night feels more novel and less profane than day, they’re capturing the magical essence of nighttime. The core idea is that night holds a special quality—something fresh and untouched by the mundane routines of daily life. It’s like the quiet hours after a concert when the stage is empty and the noise has faded, leaving just the echo of something extraordinary.

Historically, night has always had this mysterious allure. Think of ancient astronomers who studied the stars, or poets and writers like Edgar Allan Poe, who found inspiration in the moonlit hours. Night has often been a time of reflection, creativity, and even romance. It’s a period when the usual hustle and bustle of life slows down, and we’re left with our thoughts, dreams, and the vastness of the universe.

Let’s bring this concept to life with a real-world example. Imagine New York City, the city that never sleeps. During the day, it’s all about business—people rushing to work, cars honking, the ceaseless buzz of activity. But at night, something magical happens. The city lights up, the pace slows down, and everything looks different. You might take a quiet walk through Central Park, the distant hum of traffic creating a serene backdrop. The towering skyscrapers are no longer just office buildings; they become part of a glittering, otherworldly skyline. The night strips away the profane—the everyday stress and noise—revealing a side of the city that feels almost enchanted.

So, how do you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by embracing the night. Take a break from your routine and step outside at midnight. Leave your phone behind and just walk. Listen to the sounds you wouldn’t hear during the day. Look at the stars and think about how vast the universe is. Use this time for reflection or creativity. Write in a journal, sketch something, or just let your mind wander.

Now, let’s dive into a relatable scenario. Picture this: You’ve had a rough day at work. Deadlines, meetings, the whole nine yards. You come home, exhausted, and flop on the couch. Daylight is fading, and you can feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. But then you remember this idea—that night is more novel, less profane. So, you decide to take a walk. It’s dark, the streets are quiet. You notice things you never saw before—a cat perched on a fence, the way the streetlights cast long shadows, the faint smell of someone’s late-night cooking. The stress starts to melt away. The night offers a fresh perspective, a sense of peace. You return home, lighter, almost as if you’ve been on a little adventure.

In essence, night offers us a break from the ordinary. It’s a chance to see the world—and ourselves—in a different light. So next time you feel bogged down by the day’s chaos, remember the magic that night can bring. Embrace the quiet, the novelty, and let it wash over you like a soothing wave.