San Francisco, CA – Philosopher Bayo Akomolafe recently presented a profound critique of linear time, suggesting it is not a universal constant but a construct actively produced through daily practices. Speaking at the Cowell Theater in Fort Mason Center on May 5, 2026, as part of "The Untimely" series, Akomolafe invited audiences to look beyond the clock and explore "temporality," the messy, material reality of human lives. The event was curated by Interintellect and The Long Now Foundation.
Akomolafe's talk, titled "The Untimely," delved into the idea that the conventional understanding of time, often perceived as a steady, progressive line, misrepresents its true nature. He proposed that "the clock we've been trying to escape is producing something far more interesting than time," referring to a "surplus—an interval, something beyond the count, something generated in between." This concept, which he calls "the untimely," challenges the notion that creating alternatives to clock time truly dislodges its inherent logic.
Drawing on diverse sources, including Yoruba cosmology, histories of slave ships, and decolonization strategies, Akomolafe highlighted instances where time "misbehaves." He introduced the Yoruba concept of "Ìdowú," the child born after twins, as a metaphor for this excess or surplus of temporality that cannot be neatly resolved within linear frameworks. This perspective suggests that profound insights can be found in the "cracks" and "spaces between the tick and the tock."
The philosopher also referenced recent quantum physics research, noting that studies indicate time is "speculative" and "fundamentally undecided," aligning with his argument that time is not as settled as commonly believed. He emphasized that the "untimely" is not about creating new projects but about recognizing and engaging with the inherent incompleteness and unexpected movements within existing temporal structures.
"The Untimely" series, a collaboration between Interintellect and The Long Now Foundation, aims to foster deep conversations around such complex ideas. Interintellect is known for its global community focused on collaborative learning, while The Long Now Foundation promotes long-term thinking through initiatives like the 10,000 Year Clock. Akomolafe's presentation underscored the series' core question: "What if time is not a universal constant, but a construct we actively produce through our daily practices?"
