ViewpointsOpinionTime Preference and the Seen and the UnseenHow basic economics can shed light on and improve the situation for IsraelSavePrintPeople walk by photos of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas that hang on a wall in Jaffa Street in Jerusalem on May 20, 2024. Amir Levy/Getty ImagesWalter Block9/17/2024|Updated: 9/19/20240:00X 1CommentaryWhat is time preference? It is the rate of exchange between present and future desiderata.We had a problem loading this article. Please enable javascript or use a different browser. If the issue persists, please visit our help center.