New Books in Psychology
Brett Bowden, "Now Is Not the Time: Inside Our Obsession with the Present" (Iff Books, 2024)
Nov 30, 2024
Brett Bowden, Professor of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry at Western Sydney University and author of "Now Is Not the Time: Inside Our Obsession with the Present," delves into our fixation on the present moment. He critiques tempocentrism, highlighting how it skews our understanding of history and progress. Bowden discusses the paradox of humanity’s urgency versus the slow pace of geological time and advocates for a more integrated view of our relationship with nature. His insights challenge listeners to consider the broader context of time in decision-making.
31:22
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The obsession with the present, termed tempocentrism, distorts our understanding of history and limits informed decision-making.
- The linear perspective of progress rooted in Eurocentrism marginalizes diverse cultural practices and necessitates a reassessment of historical narratives.
Deep dives
The Tyranny of the Instant
The concept of the 'tyranny of the instant' reflects a societal obsession with the present moment, often at the expense of understanding the past and future. This preoccupation is driven by daily responsibilities and distractions, making it challenging to reflect on longer-term implications. Drawing from the terminology of noted theorists, the idea suggests that many people view the present as historically significant, sometimes believing it's the pinnacle of human experience. However, such a narrow focus limits the ability to make informed judgments about our situation, as meaningful assessments require historical context and time for reflection.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
