The concept of time is malleable, as evidenced by the phenomenon of time passing more swiftly at higher altitudes compared to sea level.

The concept of ‘absolute time’ is merely a misconception. The realms of physics and subjective experience provide compelling evidence to support this notion.

Ever since Einstein proposed his theory of general relativity, our comprehension of gravity’s ability to distort space and time has expanded. This phenomenon, known as “time dilation,” manifests even on a minuscule scale. Beyond the realm of physics, we encounter peculiarities in our perception of time, occasionally to a surprising degree.

Placing a clock at the top of a mountain and another on the beach would reveal that each clock tells a different time. This phenomenon can be attributed to the fact that time moves slower as one gets closer to Earth. According to Einstein’s theory of general relativity, the gravity exerted by a massive object like Earth warps both space and time around it.

Initially, scientists observed this “time dilation” effect on a cosmic scale, particularly when a star passes near a black hole. However, in 2010, researchers conducted an experiment using two highly precise atomic clocks, with one positioned 33 centimeters higher than the other. Once again, the clock closer to Earth experienced slower time.

Although the differences were minuscule, the implications were significant: the existence of absolute time is questionable. Time passes slightly differently for each clock and each individual. However, even if time fluctuates at varying speeds throughout the universe, it still progresses in some objective sense, right? Perhaps not.

In his book “The Order of Time,” Italian theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli proposes that our perception of time, the notion that time perpetually moves forward, could be a highly subjective projection. When examining reality on the smallest scale using equations of quantum gravity, time seems to vanish.

Rovelli argues that although the microscopic state of things reveals the absence of a distinction between cause and effect, our perception of time flowing forward remains. This is because we observe events occurring sequentially in reality, which can be attributed to the concept of entropy. Rovelli explains that the second law of thermodynamics, which governs the flow of heat from hot to cold, plays a crucial role in understanding the nature of time. He suggests that the asymmetry between past and future arises from the phenomenon of low entropy in the past, which is still not fully understood. This intriguing concept sparks ongoing discussions and debates among scholars.

He continues:

“Entropy growth orients time and allows for the existence of remnants of the past, which in turn allows for the possibility of memories. These memories are what hold our sense of identity together. I believe that the concept of time, often referred to as the ‘flowing’ of time, should be studied through the lens of neuroscience rather than physics. Our brain, shaped by evolution, has become a machine that relies on memory to anticipate the future. When we perceive the passing of time, we are essentially listening to this process. Therefore, understanding the ‘flowing’ of time is likely to be more relevant to neuroscience than fundamental physics. It could be a mistake to search for an explanation of the feeling of flow solely within the realm of physics.”

Scientists still have much to discover about our perception of time and why it varies depending on different factors. However, it is certain that our individual perception of time is surprisingly flexible, even beyond the scope of physics.

The passage of time is different when we are on a mountain compared to when we are on a beach. Interestingly, you don’t need to physically travel to experience peculiar distortions in your perception of time. In moments of intense fear, for instance, the brain releases high levels of adrenaline, which accelerates our internal clock and causes the external world to appear slower.

Another common distortion occurs when we focus our attention in specific ways.

According to Aaron Sackett, an associate professor of marketing at the University of St. Thomas, the perception of time is greatly influenced by attention. The more attention one pays to the passing of time, the slower it seems to go. Conversely, when one becomes distracted and loses track of time, it gives the illusion that time is slipping by quickly. This is why time seems to fly when one is engrossed in something interesting or lost in daydreams. Contrary to the saying “time flies when you’re having fun,” time actually flies when you’re preoccupied with other thoughts. This phenomenon can occur even in unpleasant situations, such as during a heated argument or when feeling anxious about an upcoming presentation.

One of the most intriguing ways in which people experience distortions in time perception is through the use of psychedelic drugs. In an interview with The Guardian, Rovelli shared his own experience with LSD, describing it as a powerful encounter that not only affected him emotionally but also intellectually. He mentioned that one of the peculiar phenomena he encountered was the sensation of time coming to a halt. While his mind was active, the clock seemed to cease its progression, disrupting the usual flow of time and challenging the structure of reality.

Although some scientists and philosophers argue that time may have illusory aspects, they generally agree that time itself is not entirely an illusion. Rovelli explained that time is a complex concept with multiple layers, each applicable within specific scales and domains. These layers of time are not illusions but rather different perspectives or manifestations of time.

However, what can be considered an illusion is the notion that time flows uniformly at an absolute rate. While the river of time continues to move forward indefinitely, it does so at varying speeds, both between individuals and within one’s own mind.

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