Writing on Punctuality?

Question

Hi everybody

I usually be late for class. I also had a resolution to stop it but rather difficult and it still happens. And my assignment now is writing abt this statement:

"Punctuality is the practice of civilized, industrialized society, and is a sign of politeness to other people. Everyone in the modern world of the 21st century must develop it, if they don’t want to live in the Stone Age."

Any suggustions pls? I mean that what key issues should be mentioned in my writing? Pls tell me, the more greater details, the better.

Thank you very much.

Answer 1

Nicolo Machaivelli - author of "The Prince", a book of nasty politics in the Middle Ages - was the person who I believe said, "Punctuality is the politeness of Princes".
'Princes' (a general term used for any ruler, whether Duke, Prince, King or Emperor) were the ones with all the power, before Democracy replaced them. So everyone depended on them and their wills. Being punctual so people were not left waiting around, the saying means, was a way of showing a little respect for the people whom the 'Prince' ruled over.
If a 'Prince' could keep to a timetable - everyone ought to. It is only being polite.
I loath being late - and hate going to a doctor, etc, being early for an appointment and then not being seen for 20-30 (or more) minutes after "my" appointed time. I get annoyed when people don't turn up on time for a meeting with me - or a meeting with a group. You either have to delay the start or stop the meeting and explain to the latecomer what has been discussed/decided in their absence.
Whoever made the quotation you have to comment on is repeating Machiavelli's words, but in a more 'democratic' sense, and acknowledging that in the 21st Century (more so than last century, perhaps), "Time is money" - or enjoyment or whatever. You and the late person (and any others involved) are giving up time for the meeting you are having. You 'demean' the other person(s) involved if you are late, it wastes time that could be spent learning, making decisions, etc (or partying, if it is a 'social' meeting!)

Answer 2

If you're usually late, maybe you could try the George Costanza "opposite" approach and write about the opposite of what you do.

"Write what you know."

Take a look at your habits, and perhaps that could be your slant: look for those areas where you need to improve, and make that the focus of your paper. For instance, if you're a night owl, try thinking about going to bed sooner - that will help you feel more rested when you wake up in the morning. Or look at time budgeting - limit yourself to an hour (or whatever) every day/night on the computer, phone, etc. and devote the rest to homework. In short, explain why you're a procrastinator (or just not punctual) and offer suggestions on ways to improve upon those bad habits. But whatever you do, don't just throw ideas out there - make sure you *support* them by at least using believeable anecdotal evidence.

If you don't mind my saying this, I think you may just be in a rut with your behavior and are accustomed to it - perhaps that's why your habits are "hard to break." Good luck. : )