Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. This influential non-fiction book explores the power of snap judgments and rapid decision-making. Gladwell argues that some of the best decisions are made in an instant, based on intuition and limited information, rather than prolonged analysis. The book is filled with real-life stories where quick thinking leads to effective outcomes, capturing the American preference for speed over perfection.
Sitzfleisch
The German concept of Sitzfleisch (Sitz, to sit + Fleisch, flesh) the ability to endure and persist patiently, especially through long or challenging situations – is often reflected in German cultural productions, including film. While not always the direct subject of a specific movie, this value is evident in films that reward viewers’ patience through slow, thoughtful pacing and characters who achieve their goals through endurance and waiting rather than haste. This approach is sometimes referenced in discussions of German political leaders and is a recognizable motif in German storytelling.
cheese
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson. This business fable is about adapting quickly to change. The characters who succeed are those who make fast decisions and act, rather than waiting for perfect information or circumstances. The story is widely used in American business to encourage employees to embrace quick, adaptive decision-making.
Charité
A well-known German television series that illustrates the logic of allowing the nature of a decision to determine its timing-and not succumbing to internal or external pressures-is Charité. Set in Berlin’s renowned Charité hospital during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the series follows doctors, researchers, and nurses as they navigate medical, ethical, and personal dilemmas.
The show frequently depicts medical professionals taking the time necessary to thoroughly investigate symptoms, conduct research, and debate the best course of treatment, even when under pressure from hospital administration or societal expectations. Major decisions-such as adopting new treatments, responding to epidemics, or balancing innovation with patient safety-are portrayed as requiring patience, rigorous analysis, and collective deliberation.
The narrative often contrasts the careful, methodical approach of the Charité staff with the urgency of external crises, highlighting the belief that good outcomes depend on resisting haste and respecting the complexity of each decision. Charité exemplifies the German cultural value that patience and thoughtful timing are essential for sound decision-making, especially when the stakes are high and external pressures are strong.
Bad Blood
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou. This investigative account of the Theranos scandal highlights how rapid, sometimes reckless, decision-making is embedded in American startup culture. Executives and investors often made decisions quickly to seize opportunities, sometimes at the expense of thoroughness. The book underscores both the benefits and dangers of the “move fast, fix later” approach.
Deutschland 83
This award-winning spy thriller follows a young East German soldier recruited as a spy in West Germany during the Cold War. The series highlights the slow, strategic nature of intelligence work, where decisions are made only after extensive analysis, weighing risks, and considering long-term consequences rather than yielding to immediate political or military pressures.
Babylon Berlin
Set in 1920s Berlin, this series depicts police and political officials navigating a turbulent era. The main characters often face high-stakes decisions and are shown taking time to gather information, consult with colleagues, and deliberate, even as external events create urgency. The show’s narrative structure rewards patience and careful planning.
Miss Merkel
In this crime series, a fictionalized Angela Merkel solves mysteries with the same patience and methodical questioning she was known for as chancellor. The show highlights her tendency to “wear down” suspects with persistent, careful interrogation, mirroring her real-life approach to political negotiations, where she was famous for her endurance and refusal to be rushed.
“Time is money”
“Time is money.” Time wasted is opportunity lost; acting quickly is essential for success.