This quote suggests that language operates in the realm of time, while other forms of media are grounded in space. When we speak or write, we’re engaging in a process that unfolds over time. We can’t say everything at once; our words come in a sequence, one after the other. This temporal nature of language allows for development and progression of ideas, thoughts, and narratives.

On the other hand, other forms of media such as paintings, sculptures, photographs, or even a webpage, exist in space. They present their entire message at once, in a spatial format. You can see the whole image or structure at a glance, and your eyes can roam over it, picking out details in any order you like.

Applying this concept to today’s world, we can see how different media forms have their own advantages and challenges. For instance, social media platforms like Twitter, which rely heavily on text, are temporal. Ideas unfold over time through threads or series of posts. This can make it challenging to convey complex ideas because the platform is designed for brief, quickly digestible content.

In contrast, platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, which are image-based, allow for a more spatial presentation. Users can convey a lot through a single image, but the challenge here is to capture and hold the viewer’s attention in an increasingly crowded and visually saturated space.

In terms of personal development, understanding the temporal nature of language can help in improving communication skills. It reminds us of the importance of pacing our words, allowing our ideas to unfold over time, and giving others the time to process what we’re saying. Conversely, understanding the spatial nature of other media can help in developing skills like visual literacy and design thinking, which are increasingly important in today’s visual-centric world.