Einstein's universe is needed to explain many observations of space science. In the same way, Flatland can only be fully understood from the perspective of Spaceland; Lineland can only be explained from the perspective of Flatland, etc. The inhabitants of each of these "dimensional worlds" cannot physically transcend their own world and, therefore, cannot visualize the next higher world. However, if they want to explain their own world, they need to do this from the perspective of the next higher one. This is what some types of religion and philosophy have been trying to do for millenia and what science is attempting today.
(First presented at Tetsugakkai, Bukkyo Daigaku, Kyoto, 1991/2/6)
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- On our Relation to the Temporal Dimension
- Flatland and Einstein's Universe
- Flatland and the Limitations of Human Perception
- Time as a Tyrant: Our Limitations and the Quest for Transcendence
- The Power of Time: Manipulation and its Consequences
- The Time Dimension: Its Importance in Human Nature and Culture
- Art and Time: Transcending Boundaries
- Dreams and the Suspension of Time and Space
- Travel and the Intensification of Time Experience
- Parapsychology and the Transcendence of Time
- Time, Space, and Causality: A Connected Universe
- The Illusion of Time and the Zen Perspective
- Temporality as a Defining Human Quality
- Cultural Variations in Time Perception
- Time in Art: Music, Literature, and Drama
- Timelessness in Poetry
- Transcending Time and Space in Art and Dreams
- Travel as a Time-Intensifying Experience
- Parapsychology and the Potential for Time Transcendence
- The Interconnectedness of Time, Space, and Causality
- Language and the Vision of Time
- The Illusion of Self and the Limitations of Language
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work aims to explore the nature of time and our relationship to it, drawing parallels between Edwin A. Abbott's "Flatland" and Albert Einstein's theory of relativity. The author seeks to challenge our understanding of time as a linear, immutable force, suggesting its potential for manipulation and transcendence.
- The limitations of human perception in understanding time
- The concept of time as a tyrant, limiting our freedom and ultimately leading to death
- The potential for transcendence and the consequences of manipulating time
- The role of time in human nature and its impact on culture and art
- The interconnectedness of time, space, and causality
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- The opening chapter introduces the concept of "Flatland" and its inhabitants' inability to perceive a third dimension. This limitation is extended to our understanding of time, highlighting our inability to move freely within it.
- This chapter explores the consequences of being confined to the time dimension, comparing our situation to a constantly moving elevator. We are subject to the relentless flow of time, unable to return to the past or control our future.
- The author delves into the potential implications of transcending the time dimension. He discusses the possibility of reversing time, reliving past experiences, and manipulating the flow of causality.
- This chapter examines the significance of time consciousness in human nature and its influence on various cultures. It explores the diverse ways in which different societies perceive and relate to time.
- The chapter focuses on the role of time in art, particularly in music, literature, and drama. It explores how time is essential for plot development, conflict, and the intensification of emotional experience.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This work centers on the concepts of time, dimension, perception, transcendence, relativity, and the limitations of human understanding. Key themes include the tyranny of time, the potential for manipulation, cultural variations in time perception, the role of time in art, and the interconnectedness of time, space, and causality.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Wolfgang Ruttkowski (Author), 1991, 'Flatland' and Einstein's Universe - On Our Relationship to the Temporal Dimension, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/7997
