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Colon t1_j0mq887 wrote

Reply to comment by Micronaut_Nematode in Time is a Wheel, Time is an Arrow: on linear and cyclic conceptions of time by owlthatissuperb

the author addresses your critique (i believe) at the end:

I was tempted to title this post “Time is a Wheel, not an Arrow”. We’re strongly biased towards the linear view, especially at the macro level. We see our lives and our civilization progressing toward some indeterminate end-state. I want to pull in the opposite direction.But both the linear and the cyclical view of time have merit.

and they go on to further their point, citing pros and cons of both thoughts, including that cyclical time can lead to "apathy, nihilism, and despair". furthermore:

*Properly balanced, the two viewpoints synthesize into a paradoxical but powerful state of mind: we can have ambition with equanimity, and progress with stability. Thankfully, the cyclic view is reemerging after centuries of obscurity.*I just hope we don’t overcorrect.

i feel this elucidation makes your comment unfair

edit: entirely unfair. i think you and the people upvoting you read the article with minimal patience or comprehension (if you even clicked on it - it's very clearly not a piece meant to persuade)

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MrDownhillRacer t1_j0mvluu wrote

None of those things are evidence or arguments for time being cyclical.

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Colon t1_j0mwgjt wrote

there's no argument for or against either. it's about how cultures or societies view themselves and their existence in the world under one or the other school of thought. the author is observing what they feel is a resurgence of the cyclical view, but then as i noted, says they hope a balance is maintained. because of the benefits of both.

i felt that was fairly straightforward, maybe you read too fast or gave up under some false assumptions?

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