Those seeking to understand Einstein’s Theory of Relativity should log on to their computer and either copy or download a large file. As the process initiates, a long rectangular bar displays on the screen and, beginning on the left, is gradually filled with green as the download or copy progresses. Often, the time remaining to complete the transfer process is cited below the bar. The progression of remaining time often reads something like this:
1hour 40 minutes
24 minutes
36 minutes
43 minutes
17 minutes
3 weeks, 2 days, 13 hours, 53 minutes
4 minutes
4 score 7 years
12 minutes
42 minutes
47 seconds
7 minutes
14 seconds
File download complete
This is profoundly unhelpful when you are seeking to organize your work flow.
Why do they bother? Perhaps it is a metaphor for life. Just as we feel that some satisfying conclusion to our current crisis is moving toward resolution the anticipated time of completion increases exponentially. Life is like that- you never know what will happen next. Perhaps this is the same for life in the computer world, where clearly, time is a relative matter.
This file will complete downloading in a period of time yet to be determined.
