Taxi Driver

Expert taxi drivers invariably do this. As they reach the taxi stand, they switch off the engine and reach the stand with the current momentum, tactfully stirring through the traffic.

Teachers start the course with much enthusiasm, thinking new batch of students can be formed and changed for the better. Convinced of the importance of the subject they teach, they prepare, at times over prepare for the class. Revising the materials and adding new topics, they want to bring revolution through their teaching. But in the midway through the course, they do make some compromise, they forget about any revolution; and the aim becomes to finish the course successfully (whatever it means I am not sure). But as the course is nearing the end, like the taxi driver, they too switch off the mind and use the existing momentum to complete the course.

But in case of students, they follow the reverse order. Till the end, they keep the mind switched off, as the course is getting over and the examination comes near (usually it means previous night) they look for the key to switch on the engine. Most of the time, most of them manage to pull it off. They reach the destination by hook or crook.  

 Why do teachers and students approach the course in opposite direction: The former is charged with energy in the beginning and the latter is full of energy only towards the end? This phenomenon can’t be explained by psychology; rather economics can throw some light. The teacher gets paid for reading the books whereas students pay to read the books. You can’t expect a person to spend money and energy at the same time, double spending is too taxing.