Neurology of time perception, "your brain is a time machine" review

In this article we will review “your brain is time machine “ by Dean Buonomano

Important points Buonomano clarify in his book

• "We are not only surrounded by the clock but we are also filled with them 

Both human and animals have circadian clock"

• "Asking which neurons or neural circuits tell time is like asking which of the billion transistors in the CPU of your desktop are responsible for performing binary logic."
• "There is no consensus to what time actually is but the favored theory of physics and philosophy is Eternalism"

Eternalism means the block universe of past present and future exists 

Presentism on the other hand  focus only on the present, some of it advocates say that only the “now” is real and the future and the past only exists in our minds  

• According to Buonomano “ now”  is to "time" like "here" is to “space”

• “Based on Neurophysiology's evidence it is clear that space and time are intertwined with our neural circuits “
• “The prefrontal cortex contributes to our ability to make long term plans and "engage in mental time travel” 

The big idea of the book is the difference between Eternalism and Presentism

After reading this book and the power of now by Eckhart Tolle I came up with different  view 

I believe in balance between the two points of view 

Believing in Eternalism alone and focusing on the future and self-identifying with one or many goals and attaching that to happiness , saying  that we will only be happy if something in the future happens will lead to anxiety and emotional pain whether or not we reach these goals.

If we reach the goal we are seeking, it will lead to a feeling of void.

If we do not reach the goal we will feel disappointed and sad and it will affect our self image.

Eckhart Tolle suggests that happiness is only in the present moment , and many mindfulness guides share the same belief.

personally I believe in balance between Eternalism and Prestism

In writing goals for the future but not attaching oneself to them.

In being happy in the moment and being grateful to what one already has .

thanks for reading

Sami