Skip to content

[F]or time itself is conceived as 'coming round'; and this…

“[F]or time itself is conceived as 'coming round'; and this again because time and such a standard rotation mutually determine each other. Hence, to call the happenings of a thing a circle is saying that there is a sort of circle of time; and that is because it is measured by a complete revolution…” quote by Aristotle
Download Open image
““[F]or time itself is conceived as 'coming round'; and this again because time and such a standard rotation mutually determine each other. Hence, to call the happenings of a thing a circle is saying that there is a sort of circle of time; and that is because it is measured by a complete revolution, and the whole measurement of a thing is nought else but a defined number of the units of its measurements.””

Aristotle

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Time is understood as a cycle because it is measured by repeating rotations, linking the concept of time to circular motion.

In simple terms: Time is measured by cycles.

Key Takeaway

Recognize patterns of repetition.

Themes

philosophy science metaphysics

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • astronomy
  • physics
  • daily routines

Key Concepts

time rotation measurement cyclical nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does cyclical time affect your planning?
  • Can you think of non‑circular time concepts?
A Different Perspective

Time may not always be circular in all contexts.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Aristotle

Explore all 1,545 Aristotle quotes

More Circle quotes

Browse all 608 Circle quotes