
Beware This Thief Of Time | Ask DS
The Daily Stoic
The Stoics' Remark That Punctuality Is the Thief of Time
Being punctual is important, but more critical is making time for the things that really matter and then being on time for them. It's easy to become consumed by meeting arbitrary standards for its own sake and lose sight of what truly deserves our attention. Rushing and feeling anxious about being early or late is not a display of good self-discipline, but rather a waste of time. Instead of fixating on punctuality for work or other unfulfilling appointments, we should prioritize our own self-development, stillness, and philosophy. The point of all these appointments should be questioned, as we may be wasting time and energy on unproductive matters. Ultimately, the Stoics remind us to make time for what truly matters and be punctual for those meaningful endeavors.