Tortoises & Hares

Do you think the tortoise really beat the hare?

Having never had an accident in my life, this morning I almost did. Ironically, in a rush to get to hospital, waiting at the junction out of our village I grew increasing impatient because the woman in front of me seemed hesitant beyond reason. She was fearful of even large gaps in the rushhour traffic, maybe she’d once had an accident? After lots more hesitating, she lurched forwards and shot off.

Running late, it was my turn at the T-junction, looking this way and that, watching the heavy traffic stream past. A minute later a gap, I dashed out. Half way over the road, a speeding car screamed round the blind corner. I accelerate, just making it the other side of the white line and he blew his horn without slowing to reinforce his point. But he was in the wrong, either side of a turning to a village along this main route, there are slow signs in the midst of bumpy yellow lines.

Tell that to them at your funeral.

That woman who made me impatient did the right thing - caution is better than stupid risk and imagine the havoc I’d have caused. Going more slowly ensures your journey is completed and is more pleasant.

Testing this theory years ago, I ‘raced’ a friend across the 40 mile span of Johannesburg, he speeding at every chance, me taking it easy and stopping with every amber light. He beat me by a mere two or three minutes in all that distance, arriving stressed and jittery, admitting his heart had been in his mouth many times; I'd arrived feeling cool and relaxed.

There we are, proof that stopping to sniff the roses is better than dashing. And this is true when you work. Considered effort generally attains better quality. All I can add is - enjoy the day slowcoaches!