Psychology in a new tempo: Instances and consequences of a cult of celerity

Abstract

This article presents a critique of psychological, disciplinary, and cultural propensities to favor speed of thought and action over other considerations, a propensity which warrants the designation "cult of celerity." Certain cultural manifestations of a cult of celerity are briefly discussed. A number of areas of illustrative psychological inquiry are examined--heuristics, the satisficing principle, the role of haste in social behavior--each of which documents the occurrence and the costs of velocity in human thought and behavior. In addition, it is suggested that psychological theory may itself be in danger of succumbing to a cult of celerity. Finally, implications of the cult of celerity for psychology as a discipline and for advanced culture are explored.