The text explores the fascinating dichotomy between rapid and slow code deployment and project release times, highlighting examples from both ends of the spectrum. In its early days, a messaging company used a remarkably fast deployment method by directly syncing new files to production servers, maximizing speed but eventually moving on from this technique. On the other hand, the text delves into some of the slowest pull requests and software projects, such as a PR that took 1857 days to merge and the decades-long development of GNU Hurd, illustrating how such delays can occur even in well-known repositories. The discussion extends to historically slow software projects like IBM's OS/360, WinFS, and Apple's Copland, emphasizing the lessons learned in modern engineering practices that prioritize speed and iteration. The narrative concludes with an optimistic view of the future, pointing to advancements in CI/CD workflows and tools like Graphite that foster quicker development cycles, thus reducing the likelihood of prolonged stagnation in software projects.