Response to Einstein’s Dreams

         Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman discusses different interpretations of time. Lightman emphasizes the importance of time and being open-minded through instances of how people have used their time and made memories. He shows us that time is very limited so it is crucial that we make the most of it. In addition, he teaches us to make light of decisions and be open to possibilities since in time, there are an infinity of worlds.

         Lightman teaches us that people who live by carpe diem exercise more freedom. In his journal entry on April 24,1905 Lightman compares people who live by mechanical time to those who live by body time. People who live by mechanical time believe the body is a thing to be ordered, not obeyed. In other words, these people follow an everyday routine: they wake up, eat, sleep, run errands, and take breaks only during the corresponding time to each activity. On the other hand, people who live by body time do not follow a set regimen, but instead, complete their everyday activities according to their moods and desires.

         In Lightman’s journal entry on April 19, 1905 three chains of events that occur after a man contemplates visiting the woman he loves are described. We learn that these different events occurred simultaneously, since time has 3 dimensions, similar to space. Objects can participate in 3 perpendicular futures, with each one moving in a different direction of time. At every point of decision, whether it is to visit the woman he loves in Fribourg or to forget about her and keep himself busy with work, the world splits into 3 worlds. Each of these worlds or futures consist of the same people and different corresponding fates.

         Overall, Einstein’s Dreams discusses the different dimensions of time through different instances and examples. Through his variety of examples, Lightman highlights the value of time and how essential it is to make the most out of the minimal time we have.

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