人类的时间观受到语言观的制约,麦克卢汉通过比较现代人与原始部族(特罗布里恩人)在语言观念上的差异,发现现代人的时间观的突出表现为线性发展观,线性发展观主要有两方面的内涵:重比较的时间观和重顺序的时间观。他指出线性发展观使人们一味地逐新弃旧,在追求物质满足、感官享受的漩涡中迷失自我,以至精神生活遭到驱逐。他呼吁人类调整思维方式,从整体上把握事物本身,重拾对绝对精神、形上价值的崇敬,麦氏的思想对于现代人的生存困境,在策略上具有重要的纠偏意义。

Humans''time view is restricted by their language view .By comparing modern and primitive tribes (strobe benefac-tor) in the concept of language differences , McLuhan found that the modern time view is prdominantly a kind of linear development view, including two major aspects:laying emphasis on comparison and on sequence .He pointed out that the linear development view makes people blindly pursue the new while abandoning the old , in the pursuit of material satisfaction and sensual pleasure while losing themselves, so that their spiritual life is lost.He called for people to adjust their way of thinking , to grasp the thing itself on the whole, to regain the absolute spirit and universal values of respect .McLuhan''s thought is an important strategy for rectifying the living plight of modern people.