Chimes at Midnight (2024)
The Clock of the Long Now, initiated in 1989, aims to last 10,000 years, promoting long-term thinking about humanity's future through unique chimes and contributions from various artists and thinkers.
Read original article
Long Now, it reflects the same themes of time and civilization.” The clock project, initiated by Danny Hillis in 1989, aims to create a timepiece that will last for 10,000 years, encouraging long-term thinking about humanity's future. Located in the Sierra Diablo mountains of Texas, the clock is designed to chime in unique patterns, with a mechanism that can run indefinitely without winding. The project has evolved over the years, with contributions from various thinkers and artists, including Brian Eno, who developed the clock's chimes. Hillis's vision was inspired by the need for society to conceptualize the far future, contrasting with the short-term focus prevalent today. The clock's design incorporates elements of nature, such as solar synchronization, and is intended to serve as a symbol of deep time, prompting reflection on humanity's place in the universe. Despite its ambitious goals, the project has faced skepticism and confusion, with some viewing it as a mere myth rather than a tangible reality. The clock represents a blend of art, science, and philosophy, aiming to inspire future generations to think beyond immediate concerns.
- The Clock of the Long Now is designed to last for 10,000 years.
- Located in Texas, the clock features a unique chime mechanism with 3,628,800 patterns.
- The project encourages long-term thinking about humanity's future.
- Contributions from various artists and thinkers have shaped the clock's development.
- The clock symbolizes the need for society to conceptualize deep time.
Related
What Is an Atomic Clock? (2019)
NASA's Deep Space Atomic Clock improves spacecraft navigation for Mars missions, offering exceptional stability and accuracy, enabling autonomous operations while reducing reliance on Earth communication for deep space exploration.
The computer built to last 50 years
The #ForeverComputer is designed for a 50-year lifespan, emphasizing durability, simplicity, and sustainability with replaceable parts, low energy use, and a focus on essential tasks like writing and reading.
Developing a D-20 Watch for Tabletop Roleplaying Games
Timestop Technologies has created the D-20 watch, blending gaming and technology with features for rolling dice and timekeeping. The initial production is set for fall 2024.
Elektročas HH3: the most accurate pendulum clock on the planet
The Elektročas HH3, the most accurate pendulum clock, maintains precision over 158 million years. Recently restored, it will synchronize with CERN's Caesium clock using advanced technology to enhance accuracy.
Leaving a permanent record of humanity on the moon – in 100B pixels
The "Sanctuary on the Moon" project aims to create a lunar time capsule with 24 sapphire discs preserving human civilization's record, combining scientific knowledge and artistic expression, targeting a 2028 launch.
8 commentsIt’s also a clever device to make the account of the author’s visit more vivid, because I as the reader imagine making the journey myself.
(But I do think it would be a fun adventure to try to follow the directions.)
The clock being deep in a cave reminds me of the clockworks in Even Cowgirls Get The Blues. The clockworks are more of an entropy amplifier than what we think of as a timekeeping device, which I guess is the point of the metaphor, in a way. The clockworks embody eastern philosophy and humility and Bezos’ clock embodies manifest destiny and arrogance?
The content of the article had put me in the mindset of trying to look back on our time from the distant future (or even just a few decades), and in that state of mind this line was jarring. I feel like it won't be long before the phrase "person of color" is about as well-received as "negro" is today.
If I was writing the article to last 100 years, I would have probably written something like "all members are Caucasian, except for the entrepreneur Ping Fu", although who knows how that would actually be received.
Related
What Is an Atomic Clock? (2019)
NASA's Deep Space Atomic Clock improves spacecraft navigation for Mars missions, offering exceptional stability and accuracy, enabling autonomous operations while reducing reliance on Earth communication for deep space exploration.
The computer built to last 50 years
The #ForeverComputer is designed for a 50-year lifespan, emphasizing durability, simplicity, and sustainability with replaceable parts, low energy use, and a focus on essential tasks like writing and reading.
Developing a D-20 Watch for Tabletop Roleplaying Games
Timestop Technologies has created the D-20 watch, blending gaming and technology with features for rolling dice and timekeeping. The initial production is set for fall 2024.
Elektročas HH3: the most accurate pendulum clock on the planet
The Elektročas HH3, the most accurate pendulum clock, maintains precision over 158 million years. Recently restored, it will synchronize with CERN's Caesium clock using advanced technology to enhance accuracy.
Leaving a permanent record of humanity on the moon – in 100B pixels
The "Sanctuary on the Moon" project aims to create a lunar time capsule with 24 sapphire discs preserving human civilization's record, combining scientific knowledge and artistic expression, targeting a 2028 launch.