Clock Quote by Aristotle
“A line is not made up of points. ... In the same way, time is not made up parts considered as indivisible 'nows.' Part of Aristotle's reply to Zeno's paradox concerning continuity.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Treatise: “Physics” (or “Metaphysics”), 4th century BCE
The passage explains that just as a line is continuous and not merely a collection of points, time is also a continuous flow, not a series of isolated moments.
In simple terms: Time and lines are continuous, not just points.
Recognize continuity in concepts often seen as discrete.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- mathematics
- physics
- philosophical education
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does viewing time as continuous affect your daily planning?
- Can you identify other concepts that seem discrete but are actually continuous?
Treating time as discrete can lead to paradoxes and misunderstandings.