Unwinding the Clock: Ten Thoughts on Our Relationship to Time

by Bodil Jönsson, Bodil Jönsson, Tiina Nunnally (Translation)

A physicist draws on her own inside knowledge of science to discuss the impact of technological progress on human bodies and minds and shares practical suggestions on how to preserve our humanity in the fast-paced, high-tech modern world and how to slow down and enjoy life. 30,000 first printing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

160 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2001

Reviews

[Michele Harrod · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grabbed this from the library on my last visit, after I saw the cover note "how to find a comfortable productive rhythm for your life in a breakneck-paced, workaholic world". A quick, non-fiction read, with some interesting perspectives on time, and how we as humans 'deal' with it, and structure our lives around it. And often fall right out of our own individual rhythms to fit in with societal 'norms'. I did learn a new word, (from a list of the top 10 things we need to do to survive) and it was cogitating. Thinking, pondering or meditating. I liked that. Cogitation is good! We certainly don't spend enough time just alone in our own heads, daydreaming of how things can be. And if we do, we too often stop the thought train, because a voice tells us our dreams are 'impossible'. We need to silence that voice and dream away freely!

Also some great insights on education and the need to allow the young to create 'new' thoughts and ideas, rather than be force-fed old information and facts of how things 'were' without looking at how they can 'become'. Let's face it - the old ways aren't proving to be perfect, so I agree, we need to constantly be open to new ways of thinking. We humans cannot be stagnant, so therefore change is inherently vital to us. Just as we must also be willing to accept that some of the new ways are also not 'better' and that some traditions, like time out for our families, and for daydreaming, rather than working 28 hours a day... are also inherently vital to us as well. A good book to read, to remind me that I need to allow more of the time I have been granted to be here on this planet - to be dedicated to one of my truest loves - reading!! Nothing else is actually quite as important after all.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful little tome! I borrowed this from my father a few years ago and took far too long to get around to reading it, despite its very digestible format. It's an interesting mix of provoking thoughtfulness and lighthearted silliness, and I wish more books were like it. There seems to be some randomness in the examples that Jönsson brings to illustrate her concepts, but she does bring them around, effectually making her point clearer while also drawing a smile or a laugh from the reader. I really love the way this book made me consider my own approach to time and to other impactful (if often overlooked and poorly considered) concepts. Thinking about thinking, indeed. I want to squirrel this away on a shelf and read it again in a few years to see what new details come to light. But perhaps my dad will want his book back before then.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I bought this year- month of April. I grabbed this from RCBC Plaza, Ayala Ave. when I didn't make it to my appointment and decided to just look around and chill with my fave drink. I was captured with the write-up from the back cover that says "A new way to think about time, Unwinding the Clock shows us how to slow down and enjoy the time we have." This is really a book to read for us who live in a breakneck-paced, workaholic world. We actually have enough time. it's the developments in this land which made us think that we are always running out of time or we don't have time at all.

[Terra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned to be aware of clock time and how to turn it off.

[Chris]

This is a reference for the Sweden coaching

[Tammy Prater · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you’re a thinking person who has taken five minutes to ponder time then don’t bother with this one.