The Art of Manliness cover image

The Art of Manliness

Enter the Matrix — The Science of Slowing Down Time

Mar 4, 2025
In this insightful discussion, psychologist Steve Taylor, author of "Time Expansion Experiences," dives into the fluidity of time perception. He explains how our experiences can stretch or compress time, particularly in critical moments like accidents. Taylor explores why time seems to speed up as we age and shares strategies to slow it down, enhancing our life experience. The conversation highlights the psychological transformations during intense situations and the benefits of mindfulness and new experiences in altering our perception of time.
39:37

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Time perception is subjective and influenced by factors like age, novelty, and immersion in activities, expanding or compressing our experience of time.
  • Engaging in new experiences and altered states of consciousness can enhance life satisfaction and create a lasting sense of time stretching.

Deep dives

Understanding Time Expansion Experiences

Time expansion experiences occur when individuals perceive time as stretching far beyond its normal flow, often taking place in emergencies or unique states of consciousness. These moments can make a few seconds feel significantly longer, providing individuals with heightened awareness and calmness despite the potentially dangerous situation. Examples include car crashes, where people report intense clarity and the ability to take life-saving actions despite the rapidity of events. Research suggests that all experiences of time expansion stem from altered states of consciousness, which shift the perception of time from a linear perspective to a more fluid one.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode