- Raju Bhattarai
Time is the most universal yet mysterious force in existence. It governs the birth of stars, the growth of civilizations, the rise and fall of empires, and the journey of every individual life. Unlike money, status, or possessions, time cannot be stored, multiplied, or regained once lost. The importance of time and its management has therefore been emphasized across science, religion, philosophy, and culture. Every second that passes is a reminder that our existence is temporary and that the way we spend our time defines not only our success but also the legacy we leave behind.
From a scientific perspective, time is often called the “fourth dimension,” fundamental to Einstein’s theory of relativity. The universe itself is measured by time, whether through the billions of years it takes for galaxies to form or the milliseconds required for neurons to transmit signals in the human brain. On Earth, the rotation of the planet gives us day and night, while its revolution around the sun gives us seasons—both examples of how natural cycles are bound to time. Biological science further shows us that our own bodies operate within circadian rhythms, natural clocks that regulate sleep, hunger, and hormones. Ignoring these rhythms, such as by overworking or disrupting sleep, leads to stress, fatigue, and even disease, proving that time is not only philosophical but biological.
Religion, on the other hand, teaches us that time is sacred and divinely ordained. In Hinduism, time is personified as Kala, the eternal destroyer and transformer. The Bhagavad Gita declares, “I am Time, the great destroyer of the world,” signifying that nothing escapes its flow. Christianity emphasizes wise use of time; the Bible teaches in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Islam highlights the value of moments, as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised believers to cherish five things before they vanish: youth, health, wealth, free time, and life. Buddhism too stresses impermanence (Anicca), reminding us that time’s passage makes clinging to the material world futile, urging mindfulness of the present. These teachings across religions show that the essence of spirituality is recognizing time’s divine value and using it for righteous living.
In the modern world, time is often equated with success. Great achievers like Benjamin Franklin, who famously said, “Lost time is never found again,” understood that disciplined use of time leads to extraordinary results. The relationship between time and success can be compared to a seed and a tree: what we plant today, if nurtured consistently, grows into a strong foundation for the future. Economically, time is opportunity. Nations that invested their time in education, research, and innovation—such as Japan, South Korea, and Germany—rose from devastation to global leadership within decades. On the other hand, individuals and societies that waste time in complacency often lag behind, illustrating that time is the ultimate equalizer: it rewards discipline and punishes neglect.
Natural events also show us the truth about time. Rivers carve valleys over millions of years, glaciers shape landscapes, and even the Himalayas continue to rise as tectonic plates shift slowly but steadily. In human history, pandemics like the Black Death or COVID-19 changed the course of civilization, reminding us that time carries both healing and destruction. Seasons cycle, crops grow and wither, generations are born and die—all under the silent command of time. It is no coincidence that cultures worldwide celebrate festivals marking the passage of time, whether New Year, harvest festivals, or solstices, as these moments remind humanity of its dependence on natural rhythms.
Time management, therefore, becomes not just a personal skill but a survival strategy. Psychology shows that people who structure their day, set goals, and prioritize tasks achieve more and live with less stress. In contrast, procrastination and distraction rob individuals of potential. Stephen R. Covey captured this truth when he said, “The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.” Time invested in learning, relationships, and health compounds like interest in a bank, creating long-term success and happiness. Conversely, wasted hours accumulate into regret.
Philosophers from Aristotle to modern thinkers have grappled with the nature of time. Augustine of Hippo admitted, “What then is time? If no one asks me, I know; if I wish to explain it to one who asks, I do not know.” This paradox shows that while time governs every action, its essence remains elusive. For some, time feels slow in suffering and fast in joy, proving that our perception of time is as important as the clock itself.
Ultimately, time is both a gift and a responsibility. It binds together nature, science, religion, and human ambition. It is free yet priceless, limited yet infinite in impact. Those who respect time—whether by rising early, valuing each moment with family, or dedicating hours to meaningful work—find themselves rewarded with growth, balance, and fulfillment. Those who neglect it often realize too late that it is the only resource that cannot be replenished. As Harvey Mackay wisely said, “Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back.”
In conclusion, time is the silent architect of the universe, the invisible current carrying us from birth to death. It shapes success, governs nature, reflects divine will, and challenges human understanding. To value time is to value life itself, for every heartbeat, every sunrise, and every opportunity is a reminder that the greatest wealth we possess is not gold or power but the fleeting, irreplaceable moments we call time.
