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Certainly!
It is better to be late than to be late. This quote is a simple yet powerful quote, and if we understand the meaning, it can save our lives and the lives of people around us.
We are living in a fast-paced world, and many people rush to do things. Some work 9-5, 8-10, 6-4—all just to make ends meet. It is not always easy, but understanding this quote will help us make better informed decisions. Many people in our society are very impatient. Because of trying to meet up with time, they don't look left and right before crossing the road. Others don't wait for the traffic light to turn green before crossing the road—all this at the expense of their life and that of others.
Many times, we feel we are running late and need to beat time. But in reality, we could be beating safety. We often underestimate the value of patience and overestimate the importance of arriving early. Life is not always about how fast we get somewhere, but how safely we arrive. The truth is that getting there safe is more important than getting there fast. Even if we get to our destination five minutes late, it is still better than not getting there at all.
I recently witnessed an accident. I was in a taxi and the traffic light was on red. It was as if it was taking too long to turn to green. Another taxi driver behind us grew impatient and decided to beat the traffic light, not knowing that there were some school children trying to cross the road at that very moment. Unfortunately, he hit two of them. One died on the spot, and the other was rushed to the hospital. All this tragedy because of being impatient and trying to beat time. That is why I always say it is better to be late than to be late.
Remembering this quote has also helped me make informed personal decisions. Most people hurriedly sign business deals or contracts without considering the risks properly—all this at their own expense. Some people go into relationships, financial commitments, or even life-changing decisions too fast, without proper consideration, and it ends up affecting them. Rushing into things is one of the most common causes of regret.
This quote might seem simple, but when we understand it, it can be very, very helpful to us. I actually saw this quote in a book, and since I was able to understand its meaning and assimilate it, it has helped me to make informed decisions in my life. Inasmuch as I try to do things on time and to be punctual, I also recognize that there are certain things that are not within my power, and I avoid them. For example, we cannot control how the traffic will be or how the weather will be. So, when I find myself in such situations, I do not rush. I do the best I can to try to meet up with time. If I'm going to work, I try my best to be punctual, but if there are situations I cannot control, I simply overlook them.
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This quote has truly shaped my mindset. It has helped me become more patient, more cautious, and more thoughtful in my daily decisions. I now take more time to assess situations before reacting. Whether it's driving, crossing the road, or even responding to someone in a tense moment—I remind myself to pause, think, and breathe. That single pause has saved me from arguments, from mistakes, and even from accidents. I no longer feel the pressure to rush through everything. Instead, I aim to move with purpose but also with peace.
This mindset has helped protect me and also the lives of people around me. It has reduced my stress levels and helped me avoid unnecessary trouble. I now apply this quote not just on the road but also in my personal relationships, my financial decisions, and my general approach to life. It has become a guiding principle—almost like a compass that keeps me centered when everything around me feels rushed or chaotic.
So in all we do, let us always remember this quote: It is better to be late than to be late. It is more than a play on words—it is a life-saving principle.
