Summary

The author argues that sunrises are superior to sunsets, providing five reasons why this is the case, including the effort required to witness them, the tranquility of the early morning, their inherent optimism, humility, and the absence of romanticized expectations.

Abstract

The article "Sunrises Are Always Better Than Sunsets" presents a compelling case for the superiority of sunrises over sunsets. The author, who has experienced sunrises in various settings such as rainforests and temple grounds, believes that the effort involved in waking up early to witness a sunrise makes the experience more rewarding. Sunrises are described as quiet and serene moments that offer a sense of peace and solitude before the world awakens. They are seen as symbols of hope and new beginnings, infusing the day with positive energy and inspiring thoughts of possibilities. The author also appreciates the humble nature of sunrises, which arrive without the fanfare and commercialization often associated with sunsets. Lastly, sunrises are valued for their pure and visceral experience, free from the romanticized clichés that surround sunsets, allowing for a deeper connection with nature.

Opinions

Sunrises are an earned experience, requiring effort to wake up early, which adds to their value.
The quiet and calm nature of sunrises offers a privileged and serene experience.
Sunrises are filled with optimism, representing the start of a new day with endless possibilities.
The author views sunrises as humble events, lacking the glamorization and high expectations of sunsets.
Sunrises are seen as more authentic experiences, devoid of the romantic flare and clichés associated with sunsets.
Despite the preference for sunrises, the author acknowledges the beauty of sunsets, especially in places like Borneo, but still favors the morning light.

Photo by Author — Rainbow Beach in Australia

Sunrises Are Always Better Than Sunsets

It isn’t up for debate either; 5 reasons why sunrises beats sunsets

I feel for sunrises.

By default of the time of day, it gets little attention compared to its better half, the sunset.

On most days, the sun rises without a flicker or peep. It humbly goes about its business, lighting the way for the day without any exaggerated announcement.

It does its job, and only a few are around to see it.

I have been fortunate and motivated to catch the sun in all its morning glory several times in my life. Camping in the rainforest, climbing a volcano in the dark, visiting a sacred temple ground, or driving through the thick of night: all resulting from adventure.

These impeccable traveling moments have revealed an important distinction: sunrises are always better than sunsets.

Photo by Author — The sun lights the way in Borneo

Sunrises are earned

Unfortunately for most, you can’t watch a sunrise without first waking up at an ungodly hour. That criteria, by default, sends most people flocking away. Great; better for the rest of us.

The best part about sunrises is that they are earned; rewards accrued from the accomplishment of getting out of bed early — this is no small feat.

Few feelings compare to slogging out of bed early to catch a sunrise, meeting the incredible moment when pervasive darkness turns to light. It undoubtedly represents one of the greatest moments available throughout the spectrum of the day — if you can get out of bed for it!

With catching the sunrise comes a wave of adrenaline and fulfillment built up from the determination and the hard work it took to witness it. A far cry from the minimal entrance requirements of sunsets.

I’m happy earning my sunrise.

Sunrises are quiet

Nothing compares to the enjoyment of watching the natural beauty of the world while most people are asleep; it is a magnified privilege. Sunrises are almost always quiet.

There is brilliance in the calm, crisp serenity of the early morning. Most sunrises occur before the big societal machine wakes up. Industries are still dormant, and populations remain in their comfortable states of slumber. By waking up and committing to the sunrise, you have the world to yourself.

Sunrises are quiet, and the few sounds that adorn the world at that time are worth listening to.

Photo by Author — Volcanoes come to life with the light of the sun

Sunrises are optimistic

As the sun rises over the horizon and fills the skies with light, positive energies infuse hope into the new day. With sunrises, we look forward to what lies ahead: a new day, a promising adventure, a productive enterprise. They provide hope, inject optimism into the starting of the day.

I often get inspired while watching sunrises and intimate the range of possibilities that exist for the day ahead. With light, and the contrasting change from darkness, comes the positivity of something new.

Sunrises are humble

Let’s be honest: sunsets have been glamorized and commercialized to an unknowing extent. They get featured in movies and on postcards and always draw crowds. And the expectations are tremendous.

Sunsets are what you watch at the beach bar with a drink in your hands. They draw you in, full of promise and jazz.

Sunrises are humble. There are no expectations in the morning hour, only tranquil hope for what lies ahead. Sunrises arrive without fanfare; they sneak into the crisp coolness of dawn and help awaken the mind and spirit.

They do this without any grandstanding.

Photo by Author — Angkor Wat is quietest before the sun

Sunrises are void of all the romantic flare

Sunsets have been romanticized to death; the cliche is melded into our fiber. We watch sunsets with our significant others.

But sunrises speak high above all that fuss. They are pure and visceral and often enjoyed best in solitude. Sunrises help us connect with the Earth and the environment that occupies the imminent space. Energy is present in the natural world when the sun begins to rise.

Photo by Author — The jungle is ready to light up

While both offer a range of aesthetically pleasing natural phenomena, I always prefer the experience of a sunrise over a sunset.

However, nothing deters me from checking out the beautiful skies on a cloudy day, lit by the magnificence of the sun, even if it happens to be at night.

And while sunsets, especially here in Borneo, have the power to paint the skies with an untraceable scope of inspiring colours, I always prefer waking up early to catch the first glimpse of light in the morning air.

Which do you prefer?