What Is Time?

Summary

The article reflects on the concept of time, suggesting it is a social construct deeply entwined with capitalist structures, influencing daily habits and perceptions of work and leisure.

Abstract

The article "What Is Time?" delves into the philosophical question of the nature of time, proposing that time as we understand it may be an illusion. It observes that daily routines, such as eating and sleeping, are dictated by societal norms rather than innate needs. The author challenges the traditional workweek, noting the societal value placed on weekends and the stigma attached to working during those times. Through personal experience, the author illustrates the transformation of their work habits, from adhering to a conventional work schedule to becoming a freelance writer, all while questioning the capitalist underpinnings of timekeeping. The piece argues that time is a crucial element for capitalism, as it provides a framework for compensating employees, and suggests that our collective understanding of time is shaped by this economic system.

Opinions

The author believes that our perception and use of time are heavily influenced by societal teachings and expectations.
Working on weekends is viewed as less important than working during the week, and this perspective is challenged by the author's personal work choices.
Time is seen as an essential component of capitalism, structuring the way employees are paid and how work is organized.
The article implies that the conventional concept of time is maintained to support the capitalist system.
The author expresses a sense of freedom and preference for working outside the traditional Monday to Friday schedule, despite societal judgments.

Weekend Prompt: “Poised On An Arc Of A Grand Cycle Of Time”

From the moment we were born, until this moment when we read this article, that we are bombarded with concepts that we use without question; And only the most courageous venture to question these concepts.

What is Time?

Is Time an illusion?

The only thing I have noticed so far is that, every day, we eat, not out of hunger, but because we were taught to eat at that hour, every day.

We go to sleep at night, because we were taught that night is for sleeping.

We were taught that we should work from Monday to Friday, and if we had worked at weekends, we were less important than the ones who work from Monday to Friday.

So, I changed the habits that were assigned to me, and, with all the jobs I had, having a weekend free was rare. I try to work from Monday to Friday, and I didn’t like the way other people like it, there was no excitement, it was as if I had to live the same life as other people.

So I change…

And then I became a security guard.

I continued to notice that, for other people, I was the poor thing, who was still less than them, just for working when they had the day off…and I love this way!

But after becoming monotonous, I had to change, so I joined the term Freelance Writer, and even here, I had the same concept of Time, the months.

Time is the more important thing for capitalism, without Time, the people in charge don’t have a way to pay their employees, so, I believe the concept of Time we all know, is here because of capitalism.