Planning ...

The deferral of gratification is one of the hallmarks of intelligence. Probably stemming from an evolutionary imperative experienced by early migrations of humans into colder climes ... they had to 'save' some of their food for winter, plan, work co-operatively for future outcomes, etc.

So I wince when I look around and realise i am surrounded by the 'I want it now' ethos (as beautifully illustrated by the obnoxious Veruca Salt - in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory).

Planning - whether for a time that lies only a few seconds in to the future (as on the mat) - for a time that may lie a year or two into the future (saving for something we want) - or a time twenty years into the future (retirement strategies) ... is very important. It is one of the things that separates us from the 'less intelligent'.

- JBW