Sergio C. Fanjul Examines Time in Cronofobia

Sergio C. Fanjul approaches the subject of time with a dual academic background. He is a licensed Astrofísica (Astrophysicist) and holds a máster en Periodismo (Master's in Journalism). The author notes that this combination is important for readers who, like Nietzsche, may distrust journalists acting as universal opinionists. The scientific background serves as a foundation for the precision required to tackle such a complex subject.

Despite his credentials, the author acknowledges a certain skepticism regarding the topic. He suggests that without the clarification of his background in Physical Sciences, the philosophical doubt might remain heightened. The essay attempts to bridge the gap between hard science and the subjective experience of time, avoiding superficial commentary in favor of rigorous analysis.

The central theme of the book is Cronofobia, defined as the fear of the passage of time. Fanjul examines the 'vertiginous acceleration' that characterizes contemporary life. The essay discusses our 'pluralidad de mundos' (plurality of worlds) and how our lives have become increasingly accelerated, liquid, and digital. It explores the emotional toll of this rapid pace, specifically focusing on nostalgia and the psychological distress associated with aging.

Fanjul also touches upon the concept of juvenofilia and the existential dread associated with mortality. The text engages with the heideggeriana finitud, which reveals the fundamental human fear of death. By framing these modern anxieties within a broader philosophical context, the essay attempts to dissect the root causes of our collective unease with the temporal flow.

The essay is heavily grounded in both philosophical and scientific history. Fanjul references San Agustín (Saint Augustine) and his famous paradox regarding the nature of time. The text alludes to the Confesiones de San Agustín, highlighting the difficulty of defining time when asked directly, despite its apparent simplicity when unexamined. This serves as a foundational question for the rest of the book.

In addition to theological philosophy, the work incorporates modern physics. Fanjul references Albert Einstein and his development of the theory of relativity. He also cites Carlo Rovelli and his book El orden del tiempo (The Order of Time), specifically the idea that time might be an illusion. These references ground the essay's exploration of time in both historical philosophy and contemporary scientific theory.

Cronofobia: El miedo al paso del tiempo, la aceleración, la nostalgia, la edad o la muerte was published in 2025 by the publisher Arpa. The book is available in paperback, consisting of 304 pages. It is currently priced at 19,90 euros. The publication date for the source material regarding this review is listed as January 12, 2026.