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I am a member of a small, nearly extinct minority group, a…

“I am a member of a small, nearly extinct minority group, a kind of urban lost tribe who insist, in the face of all evidence to the contrary, on the sanctity of being on time. Which is to say that we On-timers are compulsively, unfashionably prompt, that there are only handfuls of us in any given…” quote by Ellen Goodman
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“I am a member of a small, nearly extinct minority group, a kind of urban lost tribe who insist, in the face of all evidence to the contrary, on the sanctity of being on time. Which is to say that we On-timers are compulsively, unfashionably prompt, that there are only handfuls of us in any given city and, unfortunately, we never seem to have appointments with each other.”

Ellen Goodman

About This Quote

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

A tiny group insists on punctuality despite evidence that it isolates them socially.

In simple terms: Being overly punctual can make it hard to meet others.

Key Takeaway

Balance punctuality with flexibility.

Themes

time social norms individuality

Mood

reflective humorous

Type

cultural critique social observation

When to use this quote

  • meeting scheduling
  • team projects
  • social events

Key Concepts

punctuality social isolation culture

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we value being on time?
  • How can punctuality be socially inclusive?
A Different Perspective

Rigid punctuality may hinder relationships.

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