Overview

This page serves as an introduction and a brief overview of the functions.

In human consciousness, most categories are connected to our perception of time — namely the past, present, and future. Typically, we can identify where a person's “inner gaze” is focused in relation to these time dimensions.

For instance, when reflecting on origins, causality, experiences, or unresolved matters, we direct our gaze to the past. The past is tied to concepts like history and tradition. In terms of self-perception, we often view ourselves as a collection of past actions. Thus, looking back into one’s past is crucial for self-identification and understanding one’s own “self.”

Determining when the “inner gaze” is focused on the present is straightforward. This is evident through the perception of immediate events, involvement in current activities, and connections with other people or events. Essentially, the present is about understanding one’s place in the world. Whether a person feels "at home," "out of place," or capable of finding "their place" depends on their relationship with the present.

The future relates to goal-setting, planning, strategic thinking, and envisioning oneself and one's potential. It involves understanding how current circumstances impact future prospects.

Sometimes, it’s challenging to pinpoint the exact direction of the "inner gaze." Often, we think abstractly, covering multiple temporal dimensions simultaneously, or adopt a 'detached' perspective. To describe such an "inner gaze," the term eternity will be used.

The gaze into eternity is linked to the concept of meaning. Meaning encompasses our understanding of the past, present, and future. It also involves perceiving cyclicality — past events recurring in the present with implications for the future. The most accurate description of the gaze into eternity is an abstract, detached view of one's life. Philosophically, this perspective helps answer the question "What is my purpose?" or "Why am I here?"

In everyday life, the past, present, future, and eternity are not perceived directly but through various smaller concepts; nonetheless, it’s possible to categorize thoughts related to each temporal aspect. Thus, the Past, Present, Future, and Eternity can be understood as aspects of temporal perception — or simply, aspects.