But the worst drawback for South African business is its scarcity of skills, something that cannot be altered fast.

ECONOMIST: South Africa

On an offset press, for example, since the information to be printed is burned onto metal plates, it cannot be altered.

FORBES: Hot type

If we assume other people hold rigid beliefs that cannot be altered, we give up on their ever being part of our family or community.

FORBES: Win By Letting Your Enemy Win

This is partly because, in most countries, it takes ages to get parliamentary approval for changes in taxes, so tax rates cannot be altered as fast as interest rates.

ECONOMIST: Fiscal flexibility