Chapter 1: The Concept of Time

The notion of time is undoubtedly a practical tool in our lives, but does it possess an objective reality?

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To begin, I argue that the concept of “time” as we understand it cannot have a definitive beginning or an end. I have explored this idea more thoroughly in another piece titled "On Limitations," yet I will briefly summarize my reasoning here. If we were to turn back the clock to the alleged origin of existence, what would we observe? To accept a “beginning” suggests there was a time of non-existence, a paradox worth noting. Even if we entertain the idea that “something emerged from nothing,” logic dictates that this void must still be acknowledged as part of existence due to its connection to reality and our recognition of it.

This reasoning applies equally to the concept of an end. Returning to the earth implies the existence of the earth itself, just as emerging from it does. Even if this “nothingness” is ungraspable, if it can be referenced, it has to be considered as having existed. Any finite view of time is thus ensnared by this paradox at both its inception and conclusion, rendering it infinite by necessity. It would be more rational to confront the idea that physical reality is devoid of a true beginning or end, which involves the challenging acceptance that some assertions can be simultaneously true and forever incomprehensible.

Although time continues infinitely into both the future and the past, we often perceive it as a quantifiable entity. We may promise to return in five minutes, meet someone tomorrow, or achieve a goal by year’s end. While no one can dispute the practical utility of time, the question arises: how have we extracted a finite segment from an infinite continuum? In reality, we have not achieved this separation. Einstein’s theory of relativity illustrates this point. The next second may be fleeting for you but could take a millennium for someone else. Those familiar with Einstein’s work understand this phenomenon is contingent upon relative velocity—specifically, the faster one travels, the slower time appears to move.

This principle is echoed in the velocity formula, which precedes Einstein:

Velocity = distance/time

For those less inclined towards mathematics, it simply indicates that covering a greater distance in less time equates to higher speed. Conversely, if the time required to traverse that distance increases, velocity decreases. This inverse relationship predates Einstein and is something many have likely observed without fully grasping its implications. This formula presents the most fundamental understanding of time, defining it solely in relation to velocity and distance.

To illustrate this further, consider an analog clock or a sundial. An analog clock, with its hands moving steadily, operates on a constant velocity. It represents a consistent speed across defined distances, a standard for measuring time before the advent of digital clocks. The sundial, too, reflects a steady velocity—the apparent movement of the sun across the sky throughout the day.

Time is universally defined in terms of velocity. If everything around you were to suddenly accelerate, it would be impossible to argue that time had not slowed for you, and vice versa. If time lacks independent existence and is better described as “relative velocity,” how can we assert its reality?

Chapter 2: Time and Memory

Human perception of time is closely tied to memory. We need to anchor our memories somewhere; they represent snapshots of past events, and the linear organization of these memories leads us naturally to the concept of time. While associating memories with specific moments is valid from a subjective standpoint—especially with the aid of stable relative velocities—attempting to link them to a specific time objectively is akin to drawing an imaginary circle in a river and claiming, “This water in the circle is what I’m referring to.” While the circle may appear stationary in your mind, the water flows continuously, indistinguishable from its surroundings.

Our instinctive belief in the reality of time mirrors our belief in the concept of “life.” It is often challenging to delineate the boundaries of life, given the overlaps among various entities like cars, bacteria, weather systems, and viruses. Determining when life begins or ends presents similar complexities. Both “life” and “time” serve as useful constructs for sentient beings, yet they remain poorly defined and largely depend on subjective interpretation.

It is a common trait of humanity to overlay imagination onto reality. As Alfred Korzybski famously stated, “the map is not the territory.” We can name something, but this does not necessarily confer it with distinct existence. For instance, we define a country by its government, territory, and populace, but these elements are subject to change while the name remains constant. Similarly, we identify a song, yet it is nearly impossible to pinpoint when sounds transition from mere noise to a song. Such concepts exist subjectively and are intuitively recognized, yet they elude objective reality.

Despite our reliance on these concepts, their utility does not validate their existence. If we cannot attribute a beginning or end to time, nor define it beyond a mere comparison of velocities, then we cannot affirm its actual existence. In contrast, physical entities like gravity, water, and stars have independent definitions and can be deemed as truly existing. Time, while a useful construct, ultimately lacks independent existence.

Conclusion

The arguments presented are not merely theoretical. Consider the profound implications of Einstein’s findings, which demonstrated that time is relative. This revelation transformed the field of physics and altered our understanding of reality. It paved the way for numerous theoretical and technological advancements. Maintaining time as an objective aspect of reality—rather than as a purely utilitarian concept—hinders scientific progress.

Reaching this conclusion is challenging, yet many fundamental aspects of reality stem from our individual perspectives, which are inherently limited. The reality that exists beyond our perception diverges significantly from our observable reality. While I find it even more difficult to assert, I believe the notion of distance also possesses a subjective nature. Anything defined only in relative terms is likely open to new interpretations. Greater minds than mine will eventually unravel the mysteries that transcend our subjective experiences, yet I can recognize that one of the foundational pillars of our reality lacks substance. As we venture into realms beyond human experience, such as quantum mechanics, this issue is likely to persist.

More crucial than any singular discovery is the mindset that fosters inquiry into our deepest assumptions about reality. Human awareness has a far-reaching scope, and the concepts we hold most dear often mask our most significant blind spots.

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