Perceived Time (Book)

Marc Wittmann’s book Time examines the human subjective experience of time from neuroscientific and psychological perspectives. The author investigates how time is experienced by individuals and explores the biological and cognitive processes underlying this experience. The book aims to explain why time perception varies between individuals and how it changes across different stages of life.

^Time

Wittmann details how subjective time is formed and how individuals experience it. He investigates why time sometimes feels fast and at other times slow and explains how this perception is linked to emotional states, levels of attention, and states of consciousness. He also focuses on the brain’s role in time perception and the concept of the internal clock.

The book examines how time perception changes from childhood to old age. It presents scientific findings on how children develop the concept of time, the differences in time management and perception among adults, and how time is experienced in old age. This section addresses the neuroscientific and psychological foundations of age-related changes in time perception.

Wittmann analyzes the impact of emotions on time perception. He explains how emotional states such as stress, fear, and happiness can lead to time being perceived at different speeds. In this context, he cites research findings on how emotional experiences modulate the brain’s time perception.

The book explores the role of body rhythms and biological clocks in time perception. It discusses how sleep-wake cycles, heart rate, and other physiological rhythms shape individuals’ experience of time. Additionally, it examines the neurobiological basis of the internal clock and how it synchronizes with external environmental factors.

Wittmann investigates the relationship between individuals’ time management skills and their levels of patience. He offers scientific explanations for why some people are better at waiting while others behave impulsively. This section introduces the concept of time myopia and evaluates individuals’ capacity for future-oriented planning.