Time is not absolute from "summary" of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics by Carlo Rovelli
The idea that time is not absolute is one of the most remarkable insights that humanity has ever had. This concept emerged from Einstein's theory of general relativity, which fundamentally changed our understanding of the nature of time. According to this theory, time is not an immovable, universal entity that ticks away in the background of the universe. Instead, time is flexible and malleable, changing and warping in response to the presence of mass and energy. In other words, time is not a fixed framework within which events unfold. Rather, time is intertwined with space in a four-dimensional fabric known as spacetime. This concept of spacetime is crucial for understanding how gravity works, as massive objects like stars and planets curve the fabric of spacetime, causing objects to move along curved paths in response to this curvature. This is why time appears to pass differently in different gravitational fields, a phenomenon known as time dilation. The implications of this insight are profound. It means that time is not an absolute measure that is the same for everyone and everywhere. Instead, time is a dynamic and relative quantity that can be influenced by factors such as motion and gravity. This challenges our intuitive understanding of time as a fixed and unchanging aspect of reality. Time is not a universal clock ticking away the seconds; rather, it is a fluid and responsive dimension that bends and warps in response to the presence of mass and energy.- Time is not a constant backdrop against which events unfold. Instead, time is part of the dynamic fabric of spacetime, intimately connected to the geometry of the universe. This insight has revolutionized our understanding of the nature of time and space, showing us that the universe is far more mysterious and fascinating than we ever imagined. The concept that time is not absolute invites us to reconsider our assumptions about the nature of reality, challenging us to expand our minds and embrace the profound interconnectedness of the cosmos.
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