Gillian Adler

Gillian Adler, a scholar of medieval literature and assistant professor at Sarah Lawrence College, delves into how medieval people experienced time in diverse dimensions—continuous, cyclical, and even cosmic. She contrasts this nuanced understanding with today's clock-driven approach, exploring how medieval rhythms were closely tied to religion and nature. From the development of mechanical clocks to communal rituals, Adler reveals insights on reclaiming a qualitative sense of time, encouraging listeners to embrace cyclical experiences to counter modern exhaustion.

Gillian Adler, an Assistant Professor of Literature at Sarah Lawrence College, dives deep into how medieval people experienced time. She explores the intertwining systems of narrative, natural, and liturgical time that colored daily life. Adler contrasts this with our modern, clock-driven existence, emphasizing the richness of medieval temporalities. She delves into the rise of mechanical clocks and their impact on labor, revealing how societal norms around time have evolved. The conversation also touches on reclaiming a more qualitative and communal sense of time in today's fast-paced world.