Time isn't just a dimension—it becomes physically embedded in complex objects
Duration, sequences, and causal chains flow through assembly processes
Time gets encoded into structural arrangements and information patterns
Complex objects that embody temporal history in their physical form
Watch as flowing time particles get captured by assembly zones and crystallize into persistent structures:
Time particles flow downward and get captured by assembly zones (atomic, molecular, cellular).
Watch as they crystallize into stable structures that embody accumulated time.
Each ring is literally one year of time turned into wood. The tree's structure IS its temporal history—droughts, good years, fires—all crystallized into physical form.
Geological layers are time made visible. Each stratum represents millions of years compressed into rock, with older time literally supporting newer time.
Genetic code is 4 billion years of evolutionary time crystallized into molecular sequences. Every gene embodies successful experiments across deep time.
Brain structures encode a lifetime of experiences. Memories aren't stored somewhere—they ARE the physical structure of connected neurons.
Urban landscapes crystallize centuries of human activity. Streets follow ancient paths, buildings layer historical periods, infrastructure embeds past decisions.
Stellar composition reveals cosmic history. Heavier elements prove previous stellar generations—time's passage written in atomic abundance.
Assembly Theory reveals that time doesn't just pass—it accumulates. Every complex structure is fundamentally crystallized time, where temporal sequences have been transformed into spatial arrangements and material properties.
This process works through:
The higher the Assembly Index, the more time has been crystallized into the structure. This is why destroying something complex is easy but rebuilding it is hard—you can't just add matter, you must replay time.