Rigeksei

Rigeksei is a fictional concept originating from the novel "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin. It refers to the concept of "gethenian time" or a specific way of perceiving and experiencing time that is unique to the inhabitants of the planet Gethen. This perception is deeply intertwined with their physiology and culture.

Gethenians, who are ambisexual and undergo a monthly cycle of sexual and social transformation, experience time not as a linear progression but as a more cyclical and fluid phenomenon. This is often described as a sense of "waiting" or "becoming." Their understanding of past, present, and future is not as rigidly separated as in human cultures. Instead, there is a greater emphasis on continuity and the interconnectedness of all moments.

The term "rigeksei" itself encapsulates this temporal perspective. It suggests a rhythm and flow that is inherent to their existence, rather than an external construct. This concept challenges conventional human notions of time and highlights how fundamental aspects of reality can be perceived differently based on biological and cultural factors. Le Guin uses rigeksei to explore themes of consciousness, identity, and the subjective nature of experience.