Skip to content

Late Quote by Rose Macaulay

“The superior thing, in this as in other departments of life, was to be late. Lateness showed that serene contempt for the illusion we call time which is so necessary to ensure the respect of others and oneself. Only the servile are punctual...” quote by Rose Macaulay
Download Open image
““The superior thing, in this as in other departments of life, was to be late. Lateness showed that serene contempt for the illusion we call time which is so necessary to ensure the respect of others and oneself. Only the servile are punctual...””

Rose Macaulay

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Towers of Trebizond, 1950

Deliberate lateness signals a rejection of rigid time constraints, valuing personal freedom over conformity.

In simple terms: Being late can be a statement of independence.

Key Takeaway

Embrace flexible attitudes toward time.

Themes

time conformity individualism

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • creative work
  • social gatherings
  • academic deadlines

Key Concepts

philosophical rebellion social norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does punctuality respect others versus stifle creativity?
  • Can lateness be misinterpreted as disrespect?
A Different Perspective

Chronological punctuality often essential for reliability.

3.4 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Rose Macaulay

Explore all 84 Rose Macaulay quotes

More Late quotes

Browse all 5,113 Late quotes