In the book "The Rosie Project" by Graeme Simsion, the protagonist reflects on how people often fail to appreciate the value of each other's time. This observation leads to a sense of frustration, especially when conversations seem to drift into unnecessary small talk, which feels like a waste of valuable time that could be better spent doing something meaningful, such as practicing aikido.

This commentary highlights a broader societal issue where individuals prioritize social niceties over the efficient use of time, raising the question of why time is frequently undervalued in interpersonal interactions. The character's desire to engage in more productive activities emphasizes the struggle between personal preferences and social expectations.