Present (time)
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The present is the time that is perceived directly, not as a recollection or a speculation. The idea of present cannot be separated from a position in space. That is, the present is a point in space-time.
When comparing time in places separated by great distances, the notion of present becomes unclear. For example, we see stars as and where they were many years ago when the light just now reaching our eyes was emitted, because even though light travels at the incredible speed of 3.0x108 m/s it takes so much time to travel the great distances from the stars. The nearest star, besides our sun, is about four light years away meaning that it takes four years for the light to reach our eyes from that star.
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Present as illusion
According to scientific knowledge, primarily, the modern physics, what we usually understand by 'now', in some sense, does not exist. Furthermore, there is no provable reason why time should move in any one particular direction. This has led to the conclusion that the idea of a present is illusory and does not reflect the true nature of reality. The notion of "now" may be better understood as an unrealistic concept that has evolved in humans and animals to give us an understanding of reality useful only to the extent necessary for survival.
A philosphical problem
"The Present" also raises another difficult question: "How is that all sentient beings experience "now" at the same time?" There is no logical reason why this should be the case and no easy answer to the question. For example, say somebody named John is experiencing a great deal of pain. John's friend Fred takes pity on John's situation. The problem is: is it logical for Fred to feel bad for John at the present moment when there is no way to prove that both John and Fred experience the same temporal existence (see also Solipsism and Philosophy of Mind).
Buddhism
Buddhism and many of its derivative philosophies emphasize the importance of living in the present moment - being fully aware what is happening, and not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. This does not mean that they encourage hedonism, but merely that through constantly being aware of one's position in space and time will allow one to make better decisions. A number of meditative techniques aim to help the practicer live in the present moment.
See also
Bibliography
- Greene, Brian, (2004). The Fabric of the Cosmos: Space, Time, and the Texture of Reality. Knopf. ISBN 0375412883