I think about things like the fact that nobody knows what time is. Time is what? Nobody can describe it, even physics or math or anything else. But it is what we continuously experience. It's the state of our unfolding, in a way, and in that sense that the continuous reopening of reality is what I think of as, perhaps, a worldview.

In this quote, Marilynne Robinson, an acclaimed American author, reflects on the mystery and elusiveness of time. She points out that, despite being a central aspect of human existence, time is something that no one can fully explain or describe, not even through the complex fields of physics or mathematics. Robinson’s observation challenges the conventional way of thinking about time as something linear and measurable, instead suggesting that it is a fundamental experience that we continuously live through but can never completely grasp.

Robinson uses the phrase "the state of our unfolding" to describe time as an ongoing process that is ever-changing and evolving. She sees time not as a fixed quantity but as a dynamic and fluid experience that unfolds with each moment. This perspective treats time as more than just a way to measure hours or days, but as an integral part of the human experience, a constant that shapes and defines our lives, yet remains intangible and mysterious.

The idea of the "continuous reopening of reality" reflects Robinson’s belief that time is intricately connected to the way we perceive and experience the world. As time moves forward, our reality constantly shifts and reopens, offering new perspectives and opportunities. This process of unfolding and discovering aligns with Robinson's broader philosophical views, which often explore the mysteries of existence and the human connection to time, memory, and experience.

Ultimately, Robinson’s quote suggests that our understanding of reality is deeply intertwined with time and the continuous passage of moments. By embracing the unfolding nature of time, she presents a worldview that is open to the unknown, acknowledging the complexity of human experience while accepting the limits of our understanding. In this sense, time becomes not just a measure of moments, but a framework for experiencing and interpreting life itself.