Breathless and the cult of speed

Why are people always in a hurry? Time flies literally.

- MARIA VICTORIA RUFINO

It is almost June 21, the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. Autumn ends and winter begins in the Southern Hemisphere.

In the 19^th century, Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote: “The world is in such a hurry.” That observation was valid during that slow, genteel period when there were no gadgets, cars and planes. It is more relevant in this millennium.

A new movement has challenged the cult of speed — slowness.

Our pace of life has accelerated to a breathless, adrenaline-charged, heart-stopping, back-breaking speed. As a result of the high energy momentum, things are spinning out of control.

Multitasking is a talent and skill that is cultivated and encouraged. It’s a “can do” superhuman attitude — the ability to think, juggle and accomplish multiple things on different levels at the same time.

The high-powered alpha male can speak on the mobile phone, dictate a memo, write notes on his iPad, sip coffee, nibble a sandwich and attend two separate lunch meetings — all within the span of 30 minutes. He can give a speech and shake hands with many associates in another room. It is a gift and a talent.

The speed is dizzying, relentless.

Wonder woman does multiple roles with elan, grace and balance. Multi-faceted, she is a careerwoman, a professional, entrepreneur, wife, mother, hostess, driver, tutor, gardener, housekeeper, nanny, homemaker, chef and civic volunteer. The nonstop whirlwind is probably a mobile phone addict and computer whiz as well.