Opinions about obviousness are to a certain extent a function of time” suggests that what may seem obvious or self-evident can change over time. This is because our understanding and perception of the world around us evolve as we gain more knowledge and experience. What may seem obvious today might not have been so in the past, and may not be in the future.

This idea is rooted in the concept of relativism, where truths or moralities are not absolute but are instead perceived in relation to other factors. Here, the ‘obviousness’ is relative to time. As time goes on, we learn, grow, and evolve, which changes our perspective and understanding of things. What was once a ground-breaking idea may now be considered common knowledge, and vice versa.

In the context of today’s world, this quote can be seen reflected in the rapid pace of technological advancement. Concepts and technologies that were once considered futuristic or far-fetched are now part of our everyday lives. For example, the idea of having a personal computer in every home was unimaginable a few decades ago, but today it is considered obvious and commonplace.

In terms of personal development, this quote suggests the importance of continuous learning and being open to new ideas. What we consider to be self-evident or obvious today may be challenged or disproven tomorrow. Therefore, we should not be too rigid in our thinking but instead be adaptable and willing to change our opinions in the face of new information. This mindset promotes growth, as we are not confined to our existing knowledge and beliefs but are instead always seeking to understand more about the world around us.