Thomas Friedman talks slowing down, staying optimistic at Minneapolis forum

The number one question author Thomas Friedman says he gets about his new book, "Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist's Guide to Thriving in an Age of Accelerations," is focused on the first portion of the title.

Why would you thank someone for being late?

Friedman explained that he often gets breakfast with friends in Washington D.C. before work, and whenever his dining partners show up late they all offer similar apologies and excuses; and it was no different when Friedman's friend Peter Corsell showed up late about three years ago.

But when Corsell began to apologize, Friedman decided to flip the script.

"Actually Peter, thank you for being late," Friedman recited the interaction to the Westminster Town Hall Forum crowd. "Because you're late I've been eavesdropping on their conversation, fascinating! I've been people watching the lobby, fantastic! And most importantly I just connected two ideas I've been struggling with for a month. So thank you for being late."

Friedman said those he thanks for lateness accept the gratitude with enthusiasm, because he has given them permission to slow down, something Friedman says everyone could use a little more of in their lives.

During the forum Friedman details the inspiration for "Thank You For Being Late," and how he hopes to teach others to cope in a world where ideologies are constantly clashing.

Born in Minneapolis and raised in St. Louis Park, Friedman also looked back on his childhood in Minnesota. He explained growing up in that community, and returning later in life helped him learn how to keep faith in the world.

"For me, if you want to be an optimist about America stand on your head," he said. "Because the country looks so much better from the bottom up than from the top down."

To listen to the full speech, click the audio player above.

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