Isn't it surprising how many things, if not said immediately, seem not worth saying ten minutes from now?

The remark captures a common experience: many impulses to speak—complaints, clever retorts, minor observations—feel urgent in the moment but quickly lose their importance. By pointing to how fast “ten minutes” can drain a thought of value, the quote suggests a practical test for speech: if it won’t matter shortly, it may not merit saying at all. It also hints at the emotional heat behind much talk; time cools irritation and vanity, revealing what is substantive. As a piece of social wisdom, it encourages restraint, reflection, and prioritizing words that endure beyond the immediate moment.