The Janus Point: A New Theory of Time

An Oxford physicist's new theory of time predicts a future of limitless potential
Time is among the Universe's greatest mysteries. Why, when the laws of physics seem to allow for it go forward and backward, does it flow in only one direction? For decades, physicists have sought to explain it using the inevitable increase of entropy, or disorder, in the Universe. In The Janus Point, Julian Barbour argues they are wrong. What drives time is the increase of order: of galaxies, stars, planets, and life. In this view, the Big Bang represents a minimum of order -- and a "Janus Point," from which time flowed in two directions, just as the laws of physics require. But most important is what this theory means for the destiny of our Universe. If entropy explains the Universe, in the end it will become inert, and nothing beautiful will exist. If Barbour is correct, the destiny of the Universe is one of limitless potential. What conclusion is more revolutionary than that?

A radical argument that the growth of order drives the passage of time.
Time is among the universe's greatest mysteries. Why, when most laws of physics allow for it to flow forward and backward, does it only go forward? Physicists have long appealed to the second law of thermodynamics, held to predict the increase of disorder in the universe, to explain this. In The Janus Point, physicist Julian Barbour argues that the second law has been misapplied and that the growth of order determines how we experience time. In his view, the big bang becomes the "Janus point," a moment of minimal order from which time could flow, and order increase, in two directions. The Janus Point has remarkable implications: while most physicists predict that the universe will become mired in disorder, Barbour sees the possibility that order -- the stuff of life -- can grow without bound.
A major new work of physics, The Janus Point will transform our understanding of the nature of existence.

In a universe filled by chaos and disorder, one physicist makes the radical argument that the growth of order drives the passage of time - and shapes the destiny of the universe.
Time is among the universe's greatest mysteries. Why, when most laws of physics allow for it to flow forward and backward, does it only go forward? Physicists have long appealed to the second law of thermodynamics, held to predict the increase of disorder in the universe, to explain this. In The Janus Point, physicist Julian Barbour argues that the second law has been misapplied and that the growth of order determines how we experience time. In his view, the big bang becomes the "Janus point," a moment of minimal order from which time could flow, and order increase, in two directions. The Janus Point has remarkable implications: while most physicists predict that the universe will become mired in disorder, Barbour sees the possibility that order -- the stuff of life -- can grow without bound.
A major new work of physics, The Janus Point will transform our understanding of the nature of existence.