Many of us spend so much of our lives wishing our time away. Wishing that time would pass, or a certain day would arrive. It's quite frequently mentioned in philosophy and metaphysics that time is but an illusion. Obviously, this is quite a hard idea to grasp. The foundation of this third dimension that we accept as reality is in fact time and space. We don't have the level of consciousness to comprehend a time-less dimension. I remember, throughout my childhood, several occasions which stick with me and have become of great significance. When I was younger, I would travel in the car with my parents to see family. The journey was about three/four hours and I'd get so bored on the way. One day, when we began the journey I realised something - No matter what I do, what I think.. No matter how I occupy myself, or how bored I get - I'm going to reach my destination. Even if it feels like forever, I am powerless. I have no control over time, and before I know it I'm going to be there. I first realised this when I was about eight. I remember it being a long, boring drive. But ultimately, and inevitably, reaching my destination. I was proud that my theory was true, and the time which felt like it passed slowly, did in fact flash by. Obviously, there was nothing significant about this - or so I thought. I think that moment of clarity cursed me. Before I knew it, the weekend was up and I was returning home. After the journey back, I got home and realised how quick that weekend had gone. I thought to myself, "Wow.. it only seems like a second ago that I was wishing the journey would speed up. And now, I've already been there and got home". Now, twelve years later, and I still get that same feeling. Several times in my childhood I wished that time would hurry up. Each time, I set a milestone that will remain with me. It reminds me of how fast time passes. Or maybe it reminds me that time is an illusion. I'm beginning to comprehend the idea after all. There is no record of time. No linear recollection, no record, no manifestation of past. Nothing, nada. All there is, is quantum leaps from memories. There is no difference in remembering the time I wished my journey would hasten now, to eight years ago. There is nothing between those years that defines the time, or gap. It's just a quantum leap from one memory to the present time. Yesterday is no different from last week, or last year. Don't worry about the past because it's gone, and don't worry about the future because we haven't created it yet. Spend your time wisely, and enjoy the present moment - because before you know it, another ten years are going to have slipped past you. http://www.abstroose.com/forum/world-culture-philosophy/1950-time.html
Make your life count - not just go by. Carpe diem! Seize the day! There is lots you can do on a "boring 3-4 hour trip" - at least now as a grown-up. Listen to a great speaker or uplifting music or invite good company to talk with or think about a problem and how to solve it or ... Time is very precious! You will run out of it eventually! So make it count! Use it to your joy and benefit!
Great posting, I'd like to quote a few wise people here; 1."Procrastination is the thief of time" > Edward Young Night Thoughts 1742-1746 2."I recommend you to take care of the minutes, for hours will take care of themselves" Philip Dormer Stanhope - 4th Earl of Chesterfield Letters to His Son 3."Time is God's way of keeping everything from happening at once" > Anon 4. "Potius sero quad numquam" (Better late than never) Titus Livius (Prologue to History, Book IV sec)
Thanks for sharing those quotes. And about selling it in an eBook.. lol. I don't believe in selling philosophy.
If you are in deep space and there is no rotating planet or sun nearby, is there such a thing as time?