Body Quote by Alan Lightman
“In this world, there are two times. There is mechanical time and there is body time." "They do not keep clocks in their houses. Instead, they listen to their heartbeats. They feel the rhythms of their moods and desires." "Then there are those who think their bodies don't exist. They live by mechanical time. They rise at seven o'clock in the morning. They eat their lunch at noon and their supper at six. They arrive at their appointments on time, precisely by the clock.”
About This Quote
The passage contrasts two perceptions of time: mechanical, clock‑driven schedules versus bodily, rhythm‑based experience, suggesting that living by internal cues aligns with personal moods and desires.
In simple terms: Two views of time: clock time versus body time, with the latter following natural rhythms.
Key Takeaway
Consider aligning daily routines with your natural rhythms.
Themes
philosophy
psychology
well‑being
time perception
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- daily planning
- work schedules
- health routines
- creative work
Key Concepts
circadian rhythms
mindfulness
life balance
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you follow your body’s clock or the wall clock?
- How can you integrate both time concepts?
A Different Perspective
Mechanical time can clash with personal health and creativity; balance is needed.
![“I've used the Phoenix Centrifuge to replicate what the body's going to go through on the flight up. I've also done some gravity tests with ZERO-G [a charter-flight service in Arlington, Va., that uses modified Boeing 727s to simulate weightlessness], which went great.” quote by Richard Branson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aa1/richard-branson-256_adventure_i-ve-used-the-phoenix-centrifuge-to-repl_903.jpg)
