Kristina,
just a quick comment:
in relation to the "new-ness" and eternity, with a
particular reference of Non Western design: While there probably is an
unquestionable notion of "time" settled by physics as Klaus said, peopleīs views
of it differ greatly. The Western, linear concept of time is diametrically
opposed to, say, the African approach, which is essentially circular. This
concept of time where the past is more important than future and where the
ancestors constantly control every aspect of your life, must have a
profound impact on the way e.g. product development, (a
very time-bound concept), is seen in the traditional African
society. It certainly has a lot of impact
on the language: The zulus donīt say "I missed the bus" but "The bus left me".
Very handy!
hakuna matata,
kati