Ep. 16 - Time and Culture

In this episode, we ask: what did timekeeping devices do to culture? We contemplate an underlying theme of the show: whether man's obsession with time (and its subdivision) resulting in its commoditization is a good thing. But the main focus of the show is to look at the cultural paths that became available after the invention of timekeeping devices.First, we review the "clock-time," time-obsessed culture that predominates western culture, and how that path began in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Second, we discuss the alternate cultural path of event time, where cultures focus more on interactions and events than strict adherence to clocks. Third, we consider how time has personally affected our lives and provide some research examples of the effects of event time vs. clock time.Finally, Greg fantasizes about a world without time stress and points out that event time may give some of us a more fulfilling way to live our lives. There are a bunch of fun examples of how different cultures live with time…so grab a comfy chair and enjoy the show.(00:01) Introduction.(02:40) Show theme.(04:42) The rundown.(08:14) SECTION 1: THE SUNDIAL AS A FORK IN THE ROAD OF CULTURAL TIME PATHS.(08:56) Basics of clock time.(13:15) Basics of event time.(16:05) SECTION 2: CLOCK TIME AND WESTERN CULTURE.(21:00) Early effects of timekeeping on Western culture.(25:15) The effect of the sundial on ancient Egypt.(33:05) Greg on time making life hectic and red lights in Miami.(35:40) The effects of timekeeping on the Greeks and Romans, and vice versa.(43:05) Roman playwright explains time is awful.(45:25) Timekeeping: stress vs. progress.(50:00) SECTION 3: EVENT TIME.(50:46) How event time fits into the science of “social time.”(60:28) Understanding event time.(64:07) “Trinidad time” vs. “time is money.”(67:24) Anecdotes of event time begin here.(68:34) Rural life and event time in Burundi.(72:57) Anecdotes from Madagascar, Nigeria, and Mexico.(75:08) Anecdotes from India.(76:45) Prof. Robert Levine and event time in Brazil.(78:54) Summation on event time vs. clock time.(80:23) SECTION 4: CULTURAL EFFECTS OF TIME.(80:38) Greg’s thoughts on clock vs. event time.(81:40) A world without a greatest country?(83:48) Research on event time benefits in a modern context.(86:29) Leave the Matrix and stop and smell the roses.(91:51) Julia’s childhood home and event time.(94:33) END OF SHOW.(94:57) Julia’s big takeaway.(96:50) Greg’s summation: the invention of time keeps growing.(1:45:24) Ike!