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From: cooley@nmtvax.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.misc
Subject: Re: Time perception
Message-ID: <207@nmtvax.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 5-Apr-84 18:36:55 EST
Article-I.D.: nmtvax.207
Posted: Thu Apr  5 18:36:55 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 7-Apr-84 04:33:25 EST
References: <3156@brl-vgr.ARPA>
Organization: New Mexico Tech, Socorro, N.M.
Lines: 20


         To generalize "time perception" to age groups seems incorrect.
Time tends to pass more slowly or more quickly depending on ones degree
of concentration or involvement. 
         I certainly have had time pass both slowly and quickly both as 
an adult (ha) and as a child. Neuron decay shouldn't affect 'rate of 
thinking' at all. Time seems to be more of a way of molding ones thoughts
into a cohesive pattern than anything. 
         Example: You write down a note about something at 2:00. Then you
read a book that is intensely interesting. Reading the book took ~2 hours.
You look at the Notepad, then at your clock and think 'Wow, it's been two
hours?'. Without environmental clues or logical deduction (I read x pages
per minute so...), you would think less time had passed.
         If you really think about it you will realize how artificial a
'constant' rate of time is. Most people force themselves into a schedule
that does not take advantage of their peak 'mental activity periods', nor
compensate for their need for 'relaxation periods'. 

                           Thaedeus Zefuldar
                           Twilight Zone