Felt Time
The Science of How We Experience Time
Marc Wittmann author Erik Butler translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:MIT Press Ltd
Published:7th Apr '17
Should be back in stock very soon
This book offers an insightful exploration of how we perceive time, particularly as we age. Felt Time reveals the intricate connections between time, consciousness, and our daily lives.
In Felt Time, Marc Wittmann delves into the perplexing nature of subjective time, exploring why our perception of time shifts as we age. He addresses how children's impatience contrasts with the accelerated passage of time felt by adults, revealing the intricate relationship between time and consciousness. Wittmann's insights draw from contemporary psychology and neuroscience, offering a fresh perspective on how we experience time, whether in fleeting moments or throughout our lives.
Wittmann discusses various factors influencing our perception of time, such as the tension between savoring the present and the impulse to seek immediate gratification. He examines the phenomenon of boredom, particularly in impulsive individuals, and how it relates to their sense of time. The author also proposes the idea of a personal speed, suggesting that each person has a unique brain rhythm that affects their experience of time. Additionally, he highlights the significance of bodily processes, particularly the heartbeat, as an internal clock that shapes our temporal awareness.
As readers journey through Felt Time, they are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences with time and consider how practices like mindfulness might alter their perception. Wittmann's exploration reveals that a rich and varied life can slow down the feeling of time, providing a more profound understanding of our existence. This thought-provoking work is essential for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of time and its profound impact on human behavior.
Felt Time eloquently sketches out the importance of time, both in the darkness of the lab and in the full light of everyday behaviour. Nature ... [A] fascinating inquiry into how our subjective experience of time's passage shapes everything from our emotional memory to our sense of self. -- Maria Popova Brain Pickings
ISBN: 9780262533546
Dimensions: 203mm x 137mm x 11mm
Weight: unknown
184 pages