赖士雄美语第16课Whenisthebesttime.docVIP

When is the best time? Some people go so far as to that time does not really exist; it is all in the mind, they claim. Others note that according to astrophysicists, time really does exist. It is inseparable from space, coexisting in what these scientists call the “time-space continuum” no matter which view you may hold, time is of relatively importance in different cultures. However, when traveling, doing business, or studying in a German- or English-speaking country, it is a good idea to consider time to be the utmost importance. Many people have noted that the Germans and English are both methodical and well-organized. Naturally, not everyone among them is, but these peoples do seem to share a penchant for orderliness and punctuality. Clocks and time have played a great part in defining the character of the Anglo-Saxons. The geographic use of time began during the British Empire with the world divided by latitude and longitude, with zero degrees longitude running through the observatory at Greenwich, in London- and it still does. Time is paramount importance to these Europeans and their overseas descendants. If you are visiting or staying in these countries, here are a few pieces of advice to help you make the transition to a time-centered civilization. As you probably already know, being punctual- to the minute-is held in high esteem among them. Time is the most valuable commodity one can have, according to the doctrine of the time worshippers. We are not given much of it whilst on this planet, and we should do our best to utilize it efficiently each and every day, they say. Wasting other’s time by forcing them to wait is a sign of disorganized living, a sort of admission to being low-class. It is also seen as an insult to those kept waiting, as if to say, “Your time is not that important.” To them, this attitude borders on sin itself! In business, being late even only a few times may make the difference between your getting a promotion and being kept “in you