Time

[makes_you_tick]

I'd like to remind everyone that I'm still conducting horology classes on Wednesday nights, if anyone else is interested. I'd be happy to start from the beginning for anyone who comes by. For those that have been here awhile, I think we might get started on building your own timepieces. We can do a few large-scales. They tend to turn out more

Comments

[abdicate_you]

Such devices.

Why do they fascinate you?

[makes_you_tick]

Because they're analogous to many other systems I see in life. Timepieces are intricate, and it's difficult to see how every piece influences another, at first glance. The movement is beautiful, but to an outside observer, it's impossible to see what orchestrated the dance.

Once you understand the individual pieces, what they're there for- why a balance wheel is necessary, how the quartz can power a watch- it's understanding a new language.

Once you understand how a system works, you can influence it in your own way, make it do anything you'd like.

[abdicate_you]

You seek a peculiar sort of power in this manner.

Small pieces, as you said.

[makes_you_tick]

Any search for knowledge is a search for some kind of control.

And yes, it's the small pieces that really matter in these systems.

[abdicate_you]

For knowledge to be powerful, you must forge it into action.

What do timepieces do, besides measuring that which already exists?

[makes_you_tick]

True. But with the right knowledge, only a very small amount of action is needed.

That's all. They have one task, and despite how it seems, it's a very difficult task to accomplish perfectly.

Some people would also argue that most timepieces are art, merely decoration. But I think they're beautiful in their function, and that's what people tend to appreciate.

[abdicate_you]

Carefulness for the sake of efficiency, then.

Beauty can be a goal in itself.

[makes_you_tick]

Exactly.

I suppose that is true. But what is beauty? How is it measured? How do you measure it?