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Change Quote by Isaac Newton

“It may be that there is no such thing as an equable motion, whereby time may be accurately measured. All motions may be accelerated or retarded, but the true, or equable, progress of absolute time is liable to no change.” quote by Isaac Newton
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“It may be that there is no such thing as an equable motion, whereby time may be accurately measured. All motions may be accelerated or retarded, but the true, or equable, progress of absolute time is liable to no change.”

Isaac Newton

About This Quote

Source Treatise: Philosophical Letters, 1715

Time’s true flow is constant; any apparent changes are due to motion, not time itself.

In simple terms: Time is constant; motion changes perception of time.

Key Takeaway

Accept that motion, not time, causes apparent change.

Themes

physics time motion

Mood

inquisitive analytical

Type

scientific philosophical

When to use this quote

  • navigation
  • astronomy
  • engineering
  • daily scheduling

Key Concepts

Newtonian mechanics philosophy of science relativity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does constant time mean for modern physics?
  • How does motion affect our measurement of time?
A Different Perspective

Assuming absolute time may ignore relativistic effects in extreme conditions.

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