A factor in this study that I don't know was mentioned in 'trust'. Did the kids trust the adult to deliver on the promise of the extra mashmallows. If the kids had low trust in adults, its very rational to take the marshmallow you see rather the ones you don't.

It makes me think of the scenario where mom gives the kids each a marshmallow. You decide to keep yours for later, the other kid eats theirs.

Later you decide to eat your marshmallow, but the other kid sees this and demands half. He goes to mom and she makes you share.

Lesson learned: either hide what you have or don't delay gratification.

I feel like this scenario is becoming more common in (US) politics these days (eg student loan forgiveness, housing bubble in 2008). Or it could've anyways been happening and I just didn't notice.

The teenager is a good metaphor for what your creditors will do when they find out you have enough money to make a payment.

I also wonder, I think there probably a continuum between patient academic strategist and like driven tactical disruptor. I would say I deploy lots of tactical impatience to get shit done.