COMMENT | Punctuality is a cornerstone of discipline. In any spectrum of daily life including work, study and even sports, the issue of being on time is always on the forefront. Punctuality shows professionalism, increases one’s credibility and shows respect for other people’s time. It speaks of integrity and always helps one keep ahead.

The life of George Washington, it has been said, was characterised by a scrupulous regard for punctuality. When he told Congress that he’d meet with them at noon, he could almost always be found striding into the chamber just as the clock was striking twelve.

Washington’s promptness extended to his mealtimes as well. He had dinner daily at exactly 4pm and when he invited members of Congress to dine with him, and when they arrived late, they were often surprised to find the president halfway done with his meal or even pushing back from the table.

To his startled tardy guests, he would say: “We are punctual here. My cook never asks whether the company has arrived, but whether the hour has come.”

Punctuality in any field can be an expensive affair but nothing is more reprehensible than being defeated by the clock in...