In this engaging discussion, theoretical physicist Marcelo Gleiser, poet Marjolijn van Heemstra, and physicist Carlo Rovelli explore the intricate tapestry of time and existence. They reflect on the personal and cosmic implications of time, sharing insights about the Big Bang and black holes. The conversation dives into the overview effect experienced by astronauts and how it alters perspectives on interconnectedness. They also tackle mortality's acceptance, emphasizing a serene approach to life and our vast universe.
Time is a conceptual framework that shapes our narratives and experiences, transcending mere measurement of seconds and minutes.
The relationship between time and human emotions, particularly loss and memory, highlights our desire for permanence and connection through storytelling.
Deep dives
The Nature of Time
Time is an elusive concept that, despite its fundamental role in our lives, remains poorly understood. Theoretical physicist Marcelo Gleiser suggests that time may not be a tangible thing like a glass of water but rather a construct we use to account for the changes and events in our existence. It serves as a framework for storytelling, as actions and narratives require a sense of progression that time provides. By viewing time through this lens, one can appreciate it as a narrative that weaves together the threads of experience rather than merely a measurement of seconds and minutes.
The Intersection of Time and Existence
Human existence is inherently tied to the concept of time, shaping our experiences and emotions, particularly in relation to loss and memory. Gleiser recounts his childhood trauma of losing his mother, which forced him to grapple with profound questions about life, death, and the passage of time. This personal tragedy led him to ponder the significance of memory and how we seek to transcend our temporal limitations through stories and connections to past generations. The fear of being forgotten drives a yearning to leave a lasting impact on the world, highlighting the intricate relationship between time, existence, and our desire for permanence.
Cosmology and the Origin of Time
Cosmology is intimately linked with our understanding of time, marking its inception at the Big Bang roughly 14 billion years ago. While the Big Bang serves as the starting point for understanding the legitimate flow of time as we know it, the nature of what came before remains speculative and largely unknowable. Gleiser explains that as the universe expands, it demonstrates the transformation that constitutes time, connecting cosmic events with human experiences of change. The cosmological perspective not only informs our scientific inquiries but also enriches our understanding of our place within the vast, ever-evolving universe.
Transcendence and the Human Experience
Extreme endurance sports, like ultramarathons, offer a pathway to understand the relationship between physical challenge and the philosophical inquiries into time and existence. Gleiser draws parallels between the mental and physical challenges of ultrarunning and the pursuit of knowledge in scientific research, emphasizing the importance of resilience and perseverance. The struggle to push boundaries can lead to moments of profound insight and spiritual connection with nature, offering an escape from the constraints of societal expectations surrounding time. By embracing discomfort and transcending personal limits, individuals can glean deeper insights into life, their own existence, and the broader cosmos.
Our lives are so rushed, so busy. Always on the clock. Counting the hours, minutes, seconds. Have you ever stopped to wonder: what are you counting? What is this thing, that’s all around us, invisible, inescapable, always running out? What is time?
Deep Time is a series all about the natural ecologies of time from To The Best Of Our Knowledge and the Center for Humans and Nature. We'll explore life beyond the clock, develop habits of "timefulness" and learn how to live with greater awareness of the many types of time in our lives.