Os tempos

"When the greater part of people are merchants they always bring probity and punctuality into fashion, and these therefore are the principal virtues of a commercial nation."

Adam Smith, Lectures On Jurisprudence (1762)

"In Germany and Switzerland, always try to be on time or, if possible, early to appointments, and arrange for meetings or interviews well in advance. In Spain, by contrast, do not be offended if your contact turns up 15 or 20 minutes late for a meeting."

The Economist - A Business Miscellany (2005)