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Clock Quote by Rene Denfeld

“Anyway, time is more than counting days. On the outside, people think clocks tell them the time. They set an alarm for work and wake up to a blinking light that says six a.m. They look to an office wall to tell them if it is time to go home. The truth is, clocks don’t tell time. Time is measured…” quote by Rene Denfeld
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““Anyway, time is more than counting days. On the outside, people think clocks tell them the time. They set an alarm for work and wake up to a blinking light that says six a.m. They look to an office wall to tell them if it is time to go home. The truth is, clocks don’t tell time. Time is measured in meaning. I better get up for work or It’s time to feed the baby. Or That was the year I got cancer or That is the day we celebrate your birthday. Or Remember when our father died or Let’s remember to plant turnips this spring. It is meaning that drives most people forward into time, and it is meaning that reminds them of the past, so they know where they are in the universe.””

Rene Denfeld

About This Quote

Source Speech: The Meaning of Time, Rene Denfeld, 2019

Time is defined by personal significance, not clock ticks; meaning gives moments purpose.

In simple terms: Time equals meaning, not clocks.

Key Takeaway

Seek meaningful experiences.

Themes

philosophy psychology purpose

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • daily routines
  • life milestones
  • personal reflections

Key Concepts

subjective time meaning-making

Questions to Reflect On

  • What gives your day meaning?
  • How do you measure a meaningful life?
A Different Perspective

Meaning can be elusive and differ per person.

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