Appointments Quote by Ellen Goodman
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New Yorker, “The On‑Timer’s Dilemma”, 2015
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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