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Examines how the temporal dimension of capitalism reveals its contradictions, focusing on the differences between an instrumental, purely quantitative external, & abstract time concept ("mechanical time") & a qualitative, internal, & process-related concept ("systemic time"). Capitalism's dependence on mechanical time at the expense of systemic time is discussed. It is argued that the means, eg, spatial expansion, of capital is subordinated to the temporal logic of its ends, eg, the accumulation of capital itself. The radical shift in social conceptions of time & time practices from uncontrollable "kairological" time to controllable mechanical time that enabled the emergence of the capitalist system is described. The resulting hegemony of mechanical time & economic value & their environmental & social impacts are assessed. It is shown how mechanical time, expressed in capitalism as prices, fails as an accurate time index that cannot balance the different time dialectics of society or account for systemic time. Resulting contradictions & problems related to biodiversity are explored. It is concluded that the qualities of future societies & the environment will depend on our ability to recover systemic time & make use of the options it offers. T. Arnold