"Three minutes' thought would suffice to find this out; but thought is irksome and three minutes is a long time." - A. E. Housman

In a world increasingly driven by instant gratification and quick fixes, the timeless words of A. E. Housman resonate with striking relevance: "Three minutes' thought would suffice to find this out; but thought is irksome and three minutes is a long time." This sentiment, penned over a century ago, underscores a persistent human tendency to avoid the mental effort required for deeper understanding, even when the solution to a problem lies within easy reach. In today’s fast-paced society, where information is readily available at the tap of a screen, the reluctance to engage in sustained thought has only intensified. The paradox of modern life is that while we have more tools and resources than ever before to think critically and solve problems, we are often unwilling to dedicate even a few minutes to the process. This avoidance of thought manifests in various ways, from the spread of misinformation on social media to the reliance on shallow sound bites in political discourse. The consequences of this intellectual lethargy are far-reaching, as it undermines our ability to make informed decisions, solve complex problems, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Yet, the solution is deceptively simple: a commitment to pause, reflect, and think critically, even if only for a few minutes. Housman’s observation serves as a gentle reminder that the answers we seek are often within our grasp, provided we are willing to invest the mental effort required to uncover them. As we navigate an increasingly complex world, perhaps it is time to embrace the irksome nature of thought and recognize its value as a powerful tool for understanding and progress. After all, three minutes may feel like a long time, but the insights gained from those moments of contemplation can last a lifetime.