Book Notes/The Order of Time

The Order of Time

by Carlo Rovelli

In "The Order of Time," physicist Carlo Rovelli explores the nature of time, challenging conventional perceptions by merging insights from physics, philosophy, and poetry. He argues that time is not a universal constant but a complex, relational concept that emerges from the interactions of events. Through accessible prose, Rovelli invites readers to reconsider their understanding of reality and existence in the context of the universe's underlying fabric.

20 curated highlights from this book

Key Insights & Memorable Quotes

Below are the most impactful passages and quotes from The Order of Time, carefully selected to capture the essence of the book.

Time is not a line, but a series of events woven together.
The past is not a fixed piece of history but a fluid construct.
Our experience of time is intertwined with the world around us.
Time is a measure of change, not a thing in itself.
The universe does not have a universal clock.
In the end, time is an illusion we create.
The flow of time is the flow of events.
We live in the present, but the past and future shape us.
Time is the language we use to describe change.
Understanding time is essential to understanding the universe.
Time is not what we think it is.
The past is not a fixed entity.
Events are the fundamental building blocks of time.
Time is a relation between events, not an absolute measure.
We are made of star-stuff, and so is time.
The flow of time is an illusion.
Clocks are not the only way to measure time.
The future is not predetermined.
Time's arrow is a reflection of our experiences.
Understanding time helps us understand the universe.