Book review: wait: the useful art of procrastination

Abstract

In Wait: The Useful Art of Procrastination, Frank Partnoy argues that decisions of all kinds, whether ‘snap’ or long-term, benefit from being made at the last possible moment. The art of knowing how long you can afford to delay before committing is at the heart of many a great decision, whether in a corporate takeover or a marriage proposal. Apologies are better received if they are not rushed; audiences listen more attentively if speakers pause first; people who can defer gratification are happier and more successful than those who must have everything now. Jacob Phillips is not convinced however, and argues that Partnoy sidesteps issues of integrity, remorse and ethics too often