The standard for a single second could change as early as 2030. In fact, discussions are already underway to redefine it. Initially, the length of a second was determined based on the Earth’s rotation. However, as it became clear that the Earth’s rotation shifts slightly over time, the definition was changed to rely on the Earth’s orbit, which is more stable. Yet, because this too is an astronomical movement, it was not precise enough, leading to the standard we use today. Now, a second is defined by a highly precise device called a cesium atomic clock.
We tend to feel that time flows in one direction, from the past to the future. Like an hourglass, it cannot be stopped or reversed. But in reality, time does not just flow one way. Time is nothing more than a convenient tool invented by humans to manage society. It did not exist in the universe from the very beginning; it is a concept created by human beings. What, then, is the true nature of what we feel flowing from the past to the future?
One answer taught by philosophy and science is “change and movement” itself. Everything in this world is constantly changing. If all change and movement were to vanish from the universe, time would cease to exist. This is because time is merely a yardstick created to measure change.
The important thing is whether we focus on time or on change. I believe this choice changes our lives completely. Time is the tool, while change is the reality. Feeling exhausted every day because you are rushed or bound by time means you are being controlled by the tool. What if we shifted our awareness to the fact that everything is constantly changing, and that we are in the midst of this change at this very moment? Looking at life through a yardstick creates a calculating mindset—thinking in terms of long or short, fast or slow, wasteful or efficient. From there, the attachment to controlling time arises, leading to thoughts like “My time was stolen” or “I wasted my time,” which only adds more stress.
Human-made scales are convenient and indispensable tools. However, without realizing it, we have become bound by them. If we surrender ourselves to the reality of nature—that “everything is constantly changing”—we should be able to free ourselves from time.