Chapter 1
The proportional theory of time
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Chapter 2
The busy brain and memory making
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Chapter 3
Biological clocks and heartbeats
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Chapter 4
The cultural speedup of modern life
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YOUR GOAL
Master of Why time flies as we age
Ch 1 · The proportional theory of time
dash Proportional Theory of Time
Time goes fast, time goes fast 'Cause each year is smaller than the last!
dash Exciting trips feel short while happening but seem long in retrospect because of rich memory storage.
Fun Fact
Life milestones: At age seven, a single summer vacation of two months represents roughly 2.4% of your entire life, whereas at age fifty, it is a tiny 0.3%.
dash Our brains process sensory inputs and time on a multiplying logarithmic scale rather than a linear one.
Glossary
proportional theory (noun)
A psychological concept proposing that the subjective speed of time is relative to one's total lifespan. French philosopher Paul Janet proposed this idea in 1877 to explain the psychological acceleration of aging.
A psychological concept proposing that the subjective speed of time is relative to one's total lifespan. French philosopher Paul Janet proposed this idea in 1877 to explain the psychological acceleration of aging.
Quiz
If subjective time is inversely proportional to age, how does a year feel to an older person?
Quiz
In what century did scientists first publish mathematical models explaining why time seems to speed up?
Quiz
What mathematical term describes a scale where values increase by multiplication, matching how humans perceive time?
Quiz
According to mathematical models of subjective time, by what age have you experienced about half of your subjective life?
Quiz
Which famous psychologist described the holiday paradox where busy times feel short but look long in retrospect?