RETHINKING TIME: The Origins and Evolution of a Concept

J.C.N. Smith

PROLOGUE
The Dog In The Pickup Truck

Anyone needing a definition of pure, unadulterated pleasure should watch a dog riding in the back of a pickup truck. Anyone having observed this phenomenon can have little doubt that dogs, as a rule, thoroughly relish the experience; their pleasure is palpable from their every movement and expression. One senses that there are few things the dog would rather be doing.

But does the dog understand the inner workings of the truck that gives it so much pleasure? Obviously not. Does this mean that the dog is defective? Obviously not. The dog is a perfectly good dog; it can fetch, chase rabbits, chew bones, roll over, herd sheep, and all the other things that dogs do. But it has no concept of an internal combustion engine, nor does it need such a concept to enjoy riding in the truck.

The fact that the dog does not understand internal combustion engines, however, does not mean that internal combustion engines cannot be understood; it simply means that dogs' brains have not evolved sufficiently to allow them to understand such things. The brains of human beings, by way of contrast, have evolved sufficiently that we can, and do, understand the workings of internal combustion engines.

When it comes to understanding the inner workings of the universe at large, however, we humans find ourselves in much the same situation as the dog in the pickup truck. Much as we relish our little ride, we have only the flimsiest grasp of how the universe works, much less how to control it, if indeed it can be controlled.

Of course, this does not mean that the universe cannot be understood; it may simply mean that our brains have not yet evolved sufficiently to encompass such an understanding. Perhaps if we exercise our brains vigorously they will continue to grow and evolve until some day we finally will understand the Big Bang and other mysteries that currently inspire and challenge us.

When that day arrives, perhaps dogs will be helping us design dog-friendlier pickup trucks. And why not? The leap necessary for dogs to design pickup trucks may not be so much greater than the leap necessary for humans fully to understand the universe. Which is all the more reason to strive diligently toward that goal, humbly perhaps, but optimistically. Today, pickup trucks; tomorrow, the universe. And in the mean time we may as well enjoy the ride!