Thank You for Being Late by

In Thank You for Being Late, Thomas L. Friedman delves into the three major forces driving the twenty-first century: Moore's law (technology), the market (globalization), and Mother Nature (climate change and biodiversity loss). These forces are accelerating simultaneously, transforming every aspect of our lives, from workplaces to geopolitics. Friedman argues that understanding these changes is crucial for individuals, corporations, and governments to adapt and prosper. /n/n Friedman's work is not just an analysis but a field manual, providing insights and strategies for navigating this fast-paced world. He emphasizes the importance of pausing to reflect on these changes and building a 'topsoil of trust' within communities to anchor ourselves in this era of accelerations. With his signature wit and optimism, Friedman offers an essential guide to the present and future.

Reviews

Russell B. Smith · Russell B. Smith · 2017-06-12

mixed 3.00

The book is ambitious and sprawling, with some fine moments but also significant flaws. The reviewer finds it to be a mix of three different books, which weakens its overall impact.

Russell B. Smith acknowledges Friedman's ambition in tackling a wide range of topics, but he finds the book to be disjointed. Smith argues that the book tries to cover too much ground, resulting in a lack of focus. While he appreciates some of the insights and examples provided, he feels that the book would have benefited from a more streamlined approach. Despite its flaws, Smith acknowledges that the book contains valuable information and thought-provoking ideas.

Quick quotes

Weighing in at nearly 500 pages, Friedman's tome is a sprawling, ambitious piece.

It has some fine moments, but it suffers from being three books thrown into a blender.

The book would have benefited from a more focused and streamlined approach.

Slate · 2017-01-17

optimistic 4.50

The book is framed as an optimist's guide to thriving in an age of rapid change, focusing on technology, globalization, and climate change. The reviewer finds it to be a blockbuster with a compelling narrative.

The reviewer applauds Friedman's optimistic approach to the challenges of the 21st century. They believe the book successfully frames the current era as one of acceleration, requiring new strategies for resilience and adaptation. The reviewer particularly enjoys Friedman's use of personal anecdotes and real-world examples to illustrate his points. They argue that the book's strengths lie in its ability to make complex issues accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

Quick quotes

The book is framed as 'an optimist's guide to thriving and building resilience in this age of accelerations.'

Friedman's use of personal anecdotes and real-world examples makes the complex issues he discusses more accessible.

It is a blockbuster with a compelling narrative that offers a hopeful vision for the future.

The New York Times · 2016-11-22

informative 4.00

The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the forces reshaping our world, offering a unique perspective on global changes. It highlights the need for resilience and adaptation in the face of rapid technological and societal shifts.

The reviewer appreciates Friedman's ability to break down complex global issues into understandable concepts. They find the book particularly insightful in its explanation of how technology, globalization, and climate change are accelerating at an unprecedented pace. The reviewer suggests that while the book is dense, it offers valuable insights for anyone looking to navigate the modern world. However, they note that the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming, making it a challenging but rewarding read.

Quick quotes

Thomas Friedman's new book, “Thank You for Being Late,” gives you a much better idea of the forces that are upending your world.

It is a sprawling, ambitious piece that tackles the big questions of our time.

Friedman offers a hopeful vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of personal and societal resilience.

Appears in Lists

Technology & Innovation (list) - Best Business Books