There is an unforgettable moment in the iconic Indian television series Mahabharat where Time itself makes an entrance not as a mere concept, but as a speaking entity. As the deep, resonant voice of Harish Bhimani declares, “Main Samay hoon” (I am Time), a shiver runs down the spine of the audience.
With an air of absolute authority, Time proclaims its omnipotence, reminding everyone from kings to paupers that it cannot be controlled, halted, or reversed. And yet, despite this dramatic warning, the characters proceed to challenge time, much like modern humans, who believe they can outsmart deadlines, delay destiny, and, in extreme cases, set ten alarms only to snooze them all.
Our civilization has evolved over time, and so has our understanding of time and its dimensions. The concept of time is not a static one; it is dynamic and continually unfolding. But, how do we relate to time? Should we refer to it as “it” or “he”? Our modern understanding urges us to act according to the dictates of time. But is it truly possible to catch time?
Murphy’s Law famously states, “Whatever can happen, will happen.” This principle implies that the forces of time and chance are inevitable. Yet, why do humans continue to struggle in trying to align with time, as if we could control it? Why do we strive to subdue it?
In the words of the divine in Hindu philosophy, Lord Vishnu advises, “Follow time, wait for the right moment.” The human condition, then, may be likened to a creature swimming in the fluid of time, moving in its currents, yet unable to escape its grip. While dimensions may be dynamic and ever-changing, our civilization remains, in many ways, static. We seem to be prisoners to the passage of time, even as we attempt to understand and master it.
The Science of Time: Disorder and Relativity
The renowned physicist Stephen Hawking once said that the human brain measures time in such a way that disorder (entropy) increases in the direction of time. We perceive time as a one-way journey, never observing it working in reverse. This aligns with the second law of thermodynamics, which states that entropy, or disorder, always increases. Our experience of time, therefore, is inherently linked to the progression of disorder in the universe.
Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity further revolutionized our understanding of time. According to relativity, time is not constant and can be influenced by gravity. In the presence of massive bodies, like black holes, time slows down. This concept of “time dilation” suggests that time is not a universal constant but can vary depending on gravitational forces. Gravity, it seems, coordinates with time, shaping how we experience it.
Time: A Force That Shapes and Guides Us
Time, in its most basic form, can be seen as a wave an ever-moving force that shapes the rise and fall of civilizations. As human beings, we find ourselves caught in the ebb and flow of this wave, attempting to navigate it with purpose and direction. Yet, the question remains: Can we truly break free from the flow of time, or are we simply swept along by its current?
Some philosophers argue that breaking things is an inherent aspect of nature. Change is inevitable, and it must be accepted. It’s an essential part of the cycle of life, which cannot be avoided. Time is not just a measurement; it is the very fabric of existence.
Everything revolves around this imagined point, and it is nearly impossible to ascertain the true beginning of time or its end. While it is a natural law that everything with a beginning must eventually have an end, what if time itself did not have a definitive starting point? Could that mean it has no end either?
Religions and Time
Religions across the world have sought to define time in ways that align with their spiritual and philosophical teachings. In Hinduism, time is viewed as cyclical, moving through endless cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction. Buddhism, too, sees time as an illusion, urging individuals to transcend its grasp through enlightenment.
I am also inexhaustible time, and of creators I am Brahmā. Bhagavad Gita 10:33
Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be. Bhagavad Gita 2:12
The real form of this tree cannot be perceived in this world. No one can understand where it ends, where it begins, or where its foundation is. But with determination one must cut down this strongly rooted tree with the weapon of detachment. Thereafter, one must seek that place from which, having gone, one never returns, and there surrender to that Supreme Personality of Godhead from whom everything began and from whom everything has extended since time immemorial. Bhagavad Gita 15:3-4
Christianity and Islam, on the other hand, seem perceive time as linear, leading to a final judgment and eternal destiny. Despite these differing perspectives, religions universally recognize time as a profound force shaping human existence, urging followers to use it wisely in pursuit of spiritual fulfillment.
Time and time again My messages were recited to you, but you turned arrogantly on your heels. Holy Quran 23:66
By the ˹passage of˺ time! Surely humanity is in ˹grave˺ loss, except those who have faith, do good, and urge each other to the truth, and urge each other to perseverance. Holy Quran 103:1-3
The Role of Humanity in the Grand Scheme of Time
If time is eternal and cyclical, perhaps humans are meant to play a unique role within this ongoing process. It is conceivable that time is not merely a tool we use, but rather an agent that forces us to act, to grow, and to evolve. The very nature of time, perhaps, is to compel humanity to leave its mark on the world before fading into eternity.
In the grand scheme of time, we may appear insignificant. Yet, each individual’s actions ripple through time, leaving an imprint on future generations. We are but travelers on this vast journey, witnessing the passage of moments, shaping the future in ways we may never fully understand. Our legacy, however, may persist in the subtle waves of time, even as we, like civilizations before us, eventually fade away.
Embracing Time’s Eternal Nature
Overall, time is an enigma, a force that we strive to understand, control, and navigate, yet it continually eludes our grasp. The wisdom of ancient texts, like the words of Lord Vishnu, remind us that time must be followed, not fought against. The insights of modern science through the works of physicists like Hawking and Einstein suggest that time is not a simple, linear progression but a complex and dynamic force.
Perhaps the true challenge for humanity lies not in controlling time, but in accepting our place within it. Time is an eternal wave, and we are merely passengers on its journey. As we continue to evolve, we must learn to navigate the currents of time, understanding that while we may never catch it, we can still leave our mark as it carries us forward.
In the end, time will continue its eternal flow unfathomable, unstoppable, and ever-shaping the world and civilizations. Our task, it seems, is to ride that wave, making our impact, and embracing the inevitable, without fear or regret. Time may be the ultimate force, but humanity can still make its journey meaningful.