The end of the 20th century
I well remember arguing with people in 1999 about when the century really ends -- on New Year's 2000 or 2001. The argument was a silly one, involving the mythical Year 0, whose non-existence made people think they were discovering thought beyond thought.
On top of being silly, the argument was, of course, entirely irrelevant. Spring doesn't really begin on March 1st (Russian convention) or March 21st (Western convention); spring begins when trees bloom and there is no more snow (in places where winter is marked by snow). The same is true of centuries. The 20th century ended on neither Dec 31st 1999 or 2000. It ended today.
posted at: 09:55 | path: | permanent link to this entry
