The Paradox of the Relativity of the Discrete

Relativity: Defining something whose value is understood dependently, that is, taking bearing from other things.

Discrete: Defining something whose value is determined independently.

The two things that explain the paradox of the relativity of the discrete are time and money.

Money:

Ten dollars, for example, should be ten dollars for everyone. It is a discrete value. But let us look at it again. The value of ten dollar is not the same for everyone. To some it is too much money, to others it’s ‘no money’. One of the reasons explaining this is the fact that the value of money is determined by the direction of its flow. The same amount of money is too much when you are giving it away and too little when you are receiving it. For example, the money you pay for rent is so much for you but so little for the landlord.

Time:

One hour is one hour for everybody. But look at it again. The length of one hour depends on the situation in which you are. I was once stuck in a lift (elevator) on the 8^th floor. I waited for 20 minutes to be rescued. It is one of the longest waitings I have done in my life. Conversely when you are enjoying yourself and you have only one hour to do so, it will be such a short time.

Hence, the discrete is also, in a way, relative.