Punctuality is the cornerstone of civilization.
A Recent Movie
In the movie, “Arrival” alien ships come to our world. Nations want to know who they are and where they are from.
An astrophysicist suggested that science, the cornerstone of civilization, would be the bridge. Another suggested that language was the cornerstone of civilization and therefore would be the key.
They Were Wrong
Science and communication aren’t the keys to civilization, its punctuality. Without it, civilization weakens and crumbles into chaos.
The Calendar
My daily schedule stays busy with appointments in and out of the office. I keep all appointments on my phone’s calendar, even those occurring weekly. It’s just my way.
There’s a discipline I strive to maintain:
- Never be late.
- On time is five minutes early.
- Never keep people waiting.
- Always keep your appointments.
You can see why punctuality is the cornerstone of civilization. It keeps the madness from descending. It may be the only thing.
Tuesday Morning
I got a call at 7:15 asking if we were still having breakfast. I was mortified, mystified, and embarrassed. In that moment, I felt the earth shake, collapse was imminent.
I couldn’t figure it out, I knew I had put it in my calendar. Then I realized my mistake, I’d entered it for the wrong day. I wasn’t just not early, or even just late, I was a no show, a total breakdown of society’s punctuality laws.
To Close
He forgave me. We rescheduled, no harm no foul. But still, it irked me. Am I not perfect? Am I not in control? Do I not possess a steel trap mind?
I think my mind has sprung.
Rick Fyffe 