The Origins of Time will appear in 2026. Here’s an introduction.

Time is different to the other (spatial) directions because there’s the past and the future, and we have no choice about where we are: we’re always in the present moment, physically if not mentally. The direction of time from the past to the future is called the arrow of time.

Some philosophers have argued that in some sense, time (meaning the arrow of time) is not real. But in this book, I will show that it’s very real, in an everyday sense and in a physical sense, make it clear where it comes from, and explain how that affects all life on earth.

The new physical arrow of time that I’ll present is derived from a straightforward, down-to-earth discussion of the ordinary world around us, but it overturns fundamental views of time that have been around for almost two centuries.

Our common sense is usually correct in the normal day-to-day world in which we live. It may not be exciting, but it helps us live our lives, and “The Origins of Time,” which is written for a general audience, is all about commonsense arguments.

Along the way, I’ll mention a couple of statements Einstein made that are not quite as correct as they might be, and show that the key argument against time travel isn’t valid. But don’t start work on your time machine just yet, there are still a few problemos.

Finally, throughout the book, I’ll use the KISS Principle, “Keep it simple, stupid!” because, as a scientist and engineer, I’ve been told by my so-called friends that I have a tendency to techno-babble. I think the new concepts in this book are important, and I want to get them across clearly. The only exceptions will be the odd footnote and two appendices.