PDF Summary:The Good Ancestor, by Roman Krznaric

How can we reconcile our short-term thinking with the need to address long-term global crises? In The Good Ancestor, Roman Krznaric explores ways for humans to extend their time horizons and prioritize positive long-term outcomes for future generations.

First, the book examines the biological and cultural forces that drive us toward short-term thinking. Krznaric then offers cognitive frameworks and habits to help counteract these forces, inspiring readers to adopt a "legacy mindset" that considers the welfare of those yet to be born. The author draws on diverse sources, including indigenous wisdom on stewardship, to encourage embracing humanity's potential as "caretakers of tomorrow."

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• Governments and international bodies must create and enforce regulations that prioritize long-term safety and sustainability over short-term economic or political gains.
• Effective governance and international cooperation are crucial in managing nuclear waste, as the consequences of mismanagement can transcend national borders and affect global ecosystems.

The Balance: Future Majority vs. Current Population

To highlight the sheer scale of future generations, Krznaric presents a visual image of a set of scales. One side holds the entire current living population, and the other side carries the weight of all future unborn people. The scale is dramatically tipped, showing that the interests and welfare of the vast majority of humanity who will inhabit the planet far outweigh those of the current generation. Krznaric argues that ignoring this simple reality represents a fundamental moral failure and a continuation of the colonialist mentality that regards the future as an empty territory.

Other Perspectives

• The metaphor does not account for the uncertainty of future events and the difficulty in predicting the needs and values of unborn generations.
• Ethical decision-making should consider a balance between the needs of the present and the future, rather than prioritizing one over the other, to ensure fairness across all generations.
• The concept of moral responsibility to future generations may be used to justify sacrifices that disproportionately affect disadvantaged groups in the present, perpetuating inequality.
• The metaphor of an "empty territory" could be interpreted as a call to responsibly shape the future, emphasizing stewardship rather than exploitation.

Blindfold: Imagining Time-Independent Allocation of Resources

This argument is framed as a hypothetical scenario inspired by John Rawls, a philosopher focused on politics. Krznaric asks, if forced to distribute resources while ignorant of both your social position and your birth generation, how would you act? This "veil of ignorance" invites us to imagine the possibility of being born into a future with vastly different social and ecological conditions, and encourages the just allocation of resources across time, not just across different social groups in the present.

Practical Tips

• Develop empathy by engaging in role-reversal exercises during conflicts. When arguing with someone, switch perspectives and argue their side while they argue yours. This can be done with a friend or family member over a minor disagreement. The goal is to understand the other person's point of view better and find common ground.
• Engage in a "policy simulation" game where you and others draft rules for a fictional society without knowing your place in it. This can be done through board games or simple pen-and-paper rules, and it will help you consider fairness and justice in decision-making without personal biases.

The Baton: Treat the Generations After Us as We Wish the Generations Before Us Had Treated Us

This concept, which Krznaric calls "The Baton," is an extension of the Golden Rule into an intergenerational principle: "Treat future generations the way you'd like to have been treated by those who came before you." If we hope past generations had dealt with issues like climate change or racism more effectively, how can we justify passing on such burdens to those in the future? Krznaric uses the example of planting a carob tree that takes decades to produce fruit, highlighting the long held tradition of caring for the planet for the benefit of posterity, leaving gifts for those yet to come.

Practical Tips

• Start a "Baton Box" tradition in your family, where each generation adds something of value to a box that is passed down. This could be a piece of advice, a family story, an heirloom, or a written commitment to a cause or principle. The act of contributing to the box can foster a sense of continuity and responsibility towards future generations, embodying the intergenerational Golden Rule.
• Engage in 'guerrilla gardening' to greenify urban spaces. Find a small patch of neglected land in your neighborhood, like a roadside verge or a bare spot in a park, and plant native flowers or shrubs. This not only beautifies the area but also supports local biodiversity and can inspire others to take similar actions.

Applying Indigenous Wisdom on Multi-Generational Stewardship

Krznaric contends that indigenous societies around the globe are often far ahead of Western cultures regarding long-range thinking. He highlights two core practices that can help forge a deeper connection with the future: the seventh-generation principle and whakapapa.

The Seven-Generation Concept and a Profoundly Guardianship-Oriented Ethos

The author points to the widespread practice of considering decisions in the context of seven generations within Indigenous communities, particularly in North America, where every choice is considered in light of its impact on the seven subsequent generations. This long-ranging time horizon embodies deep stewardship, viewing the earth as something to be kept whole and thriving for future generations. Rather than treating land as mere property for exploitation by each generation, this view of Indigenous peoples recognizes humans as integral to Earth's interconnected living systems.

Krznaric argues that the concept of the seventh generation resonates with various strands of ecological thought including the need to live within the biocapacity of the planet's ecosystems and calls for "regenerative justice" where each generation leaves the planet in a healthy ecological state for its successors. The concept of considering seven future generations is gaining traction beyond indigenous cultures and increasingly serves as a framework for rethinking sustainability and social justice.

Practical Tips

• Create a personal carbon offset program by planting trees for every flight you take. Calculate the carbon emissions for your flights using an online carbon footprint calculator and then plant the appropriate number of trees to offset those emissions. This can be done through local tree-planting initiatives or by contributing to reforestation projects globally.
• Start a personal 'One Square Foot' project by dedicating a small plot of land to observe and journal the natural processes and biodiversity. This can be a patch in your garden or a planter box on your balcony. Spend a few minutes each day observing the changes, the insects that visit, the growth of plants, and how they interact with each other. This practice will deepen your understanding of the interconnectedness of life and your role within it.
• Develop a "Seventh Generation Savings Plan" where you invest a small portion of your income into a fund or stocks that support sustainable and ethical companies. By doing so, you're not only thinking about the financial well-being of your descendants but also contributing to a market that values long-term ecological health. Choose investments in companies that are known for their sustainable practices and have a clear vision for their impact on future generations.
• Enhance your home's energy efficiency by conducting a DIY energy audit. Walk through your home and identify areas where you can save energy, like sealing drafts around windows and doors, switching to LED light bulbs, or unplugging electronics when not in use. Small changes can lead to significant reductions in energy consumption and, consequently, your impact on the planet's ecosystems.
• You can support regenerative justice by choosing products and services from companies that prioritize social and environmental restoration. Look for certifications or statements on product labels and company websites that indicate a commitment to practices like fair trade, carbon neutrality, or restoration of natural habitats. By consciously directing your purchasing power towards these businesses, you're rewarding and encouraging regenerative practices.
• Develop a personal composting system for your kitchen waste to enrich the soil in your garden or community green space. If you don't have a garden, you can still collect organic waste and contribute it to a local community composting program. By composting, you're turning waste into a resource that helps grow more plants, which in turn contributes to a healthier ecosystem.
• Introduce a "Seven Generations" reflection ritual into your decision-making process. Whenever you're faced with a significant choice, take a moment to reflect on how this decision might affect your descendants seven generations from now. You could write down the potential impacts or discuss them with a friend or family member. This practice encourages you to think beyond the immediate consequences and consider the long-term implications of your actions.
• Create a "swap and share" initiative within your neighborhood to promote resource efficiency and community engagement. Set up a system where neighbors can exchange items they no longer need, such as clothes, tools, or books. This encourages reusing and recycling, reducing the need for new products and fostering a sense of social responsibility. For instance, a community tool library can save money for everyone involved and reduce the environmental cost of manufacturing new tools.

Whakapapa: A Seamless Continuum In the Māori Worldview

The Mãori concept of whakapapa further highlights the limitations of Western conceptual frameworks with their tendency to separate past, present and future into distinct entities. Literally translating as "genealogy," Krznaric explains that whakapapa refers to a continuous and interconnected lifeline linking someone to past, current, and forthcoming generations. The Māori proverb, "I move backward toward the future, with my gaze on the past," helps to highlight this fluid, intertwined relationship across time.

To illustrate the power of whakapapa, Krznaric describes his participation in a hands-on workshop on "Human Layers." In the workshop, participants were encouraged to walk backwards through time while visualizing the lives of their ancestors and then to step forward in time while picturing the lives and legacy they will leave for their descendants. As a result, they came to feel part of a long chain of humanity encompassing past, present, and future generations. This experience of familial legacy extended into a broader legacy of connection to future generations. Krznaric argues that this powerful awareness fostered by adopting a perspective of whakapapa is essential for understanding our place in the tapestry of human existence.

Practical Tips

• Create a visual family tree that includes aspirations and legacies. Start by drawing a traditional family tree, but instead of just names and dates, add a section for each person that includes their dreams, accomplishments, and the values they lived by. This can help you see the threads of ambition, talent, and belief that weave through your lineage, connecting you to your ancestors and potentially influencing future generations.
• Start a journal where you reflect on daily experiences in the context of your ancestors' values and teachings. This practice can help you recognize the continuity of wisdom and knowledge through time, and how your actions today are part of a larger narrative that stretches back and forward through generations.
• Start a 'Whakapapa Conversation Series' with your relatives. Schedule regular calls or meet-ups with different family members, especially the older generation, to discuss and record their life experiences, values, and lessons learned. Use these conversations to understand how their experiences have shaped the family's collective identity and how this legacy influences your own life.
• Engage in a cultural exchange with someone from a different background to gain perspective on how various cultures view time and heritage. This could be as simple as having a conversation with a new acquaintance or joining a community group focused on cultural sharing. Understanding different perspectives on the past and future can enrich your own view and help you appreciate the interconnectedness of experiences across time.

Developing Mechanisms to Stand Up for the Interests of Future Generations

Existing democratic political systems largely ignore future citizens' needs. To rectify this fundamental injustice, those who challenge current norms are devising new types of democratic governance. The two most prominent and promising approaches are appointing guardians for coming generations and the rise of citizens' councils.

Future Stewards: Officials Safeguarding Long-Term Concerns

Inspired by the establishment of Finland's Committee for the Future in 1993, several countries have appointed guardians with the responsibility of representing future generations' interests. Krznaric describes the role of Wales's Future Generations Commissioner, Sophie Howe, as a pioneering example of this movement toward deep democracy. This position has the legal authority to examine and challenge government policies based on long-term impacts, providing a powerful mechanism to push decisions beyond the narrow window of near-term election cycles.

While the increase in guardians is a notable step toward including future needs in public policy decisions, it faces challenges. These appointed officials may not be democratically legitimate and face hurdles in securing enforcement powers: Howe readily acknowledges that she has no authority to compel governments to change their ways, but she can use her authority to "expose and embarrass" those who disregard future needs. Moreover, critics point out that these representatives may be captured by special interests or fail to adequately embody the diverse range of views held by future generations.

Other Perspectives

• There is a risk that these guardians could become token figures without real power or influence, serving more as a public relations gesture than as an effective tool for change.
• The effectiveness of the Commissioner in pioneering change is limited if the role lacks enforcement power, which could suggest that the pioneering aspect is more symbolic than practical.
• The effectiveness of such a position could be undermined if the government chooses to ignore or sideline the challenges raised by the official.
• Pushing decisions beyond near-term election cycles might inadvertently reduce the accountability of current policymakers to their constituents.
• The long-term impact of policies is inherently difficult to predict, and guardians may not have the necessary expertise or tools to accurately assess the long-term consequences of complex policy decisions.
• While concerns about democratic legitimacy are valid, these future guardians are often appointed through a democratic process by elected officials, which can be seen as an extension of the democratic mandate.
• Sophie Howe's position could serve as a catalyst for legislative change that might eventually grant her office greater enforcement powers.
• This strategy may not be sustainable in the long run as it could lead to desensitization; the more it is used, the less impact it might have.
• The selection process for these officials can be designed to minimize the risk of capture by special interests, such as through bipartisan support, public consultations, and stringent conflict-of-interest checks.
• Guardians can engage with current generations, especially younger demographics, to gather insights and preferences about the future, which can help inform their understanding of potential diverse views.

Citizen Assemblies Oriented Towards Long-Term Policymaking

To counter the limitations of appointed guardians, many time rebels are calling for citizen groups—deliberative bodies composed of individuals chosen at random. Krznaric explains that these assemblies bring back the participatory democratic system of Ancient Athens, where ordinary citizens directly decide on matters of collective concern. He contends that they can play a particularly valuable role in tackling enduring difficulties.

Through random selection of members, civic panels help limit the manipulation of power brokers and short-range vested interests, while creating a space for in-depth deliberation focused on understanding complex issues and considering possible long-term effects. Krznaric points to the success of assemblies in Ireland on issues like abortion and climate change and emphasizes their potential to directly integrate the voices of youth. Japan's Future Design initiative is particularly notable: an assembly format where some participants represent "future residents" from the year 2060 and devise far more progressive and long-term oriented plans than their "present-day" counterparts. Krznaric suggests that Future Design embodies a powerful and practical example of how citizen assemblies may help shift mindsets away from the "short now" mentality and toward a broader, longer time horizon.

Practical Tips

• Encourage inclusive problem-solving at work by suggesting a random selection process for task forces or committees. Propose to management that members for a new project team be chosen at random from different departments. This approach can break down silos and introduce fresh ideas, similar to the diversity of thought found in citizen assemblies.
• Create a blog or social media page dedicated to sharing success stories and lessons learned from citizen assemblies around the world. By curating content that highlights the positive outcomes of citizen assemblies, you can raise awareness and support for the concept among your online community. This platform can also serve as a resource for those looking to implement citizen assemblies in their own communities.
• Use online forums to deliberate on global issues with a worldwide community. Participate in or create a thread on platforms like Reddit or Quora dedicated to a specific global challenge, such as climate change or internet privacy. Encourage a respectful exchange of ideas and experiences, aiming to reach a deeper understanding of the issue by considering the diverse viewpoints of participants from different cultures and backgrounds.
• Write a letter to your local representative summarizing the collective views from your discussions or surveys, advocating for consideration of these perspectives in policy-making. This action translates the assembly model to a personal level, where you act as a conduit for the voices of your community, pushing for representation and action on important issues.
• You can mentor a young person to help them understand and engage with civic issues. Partner with local schools or youth organizations to offer guidance on how civic engagement works and why it's important. For example, you could help a teenager prepare to speak at a city council meeting or write a letter to a representative.
• Create a "Future Resident" profile for an imaginary person living in 2060, detailing their lifestyle, environment, and the societal issues they face. Use this profile to guide your current actions and decisions, such as supporting policies that promote sustainability or investing in companies that prioritize long-term value over short-term gains. This exercise can help you align your present-day actions with the needs of future generations.
• Implement a "future impact" rating system for your personal goals and projects, assigning a score based on how they might influence your life or the lives of others over an extended period. For instance, learning a new language might have a high future impact score due to its benefits for cognitive health and career opportunities. This system helps prioritize activities that have enduring value, mirroring the long-term focus of citizen assemblies.

Examples of Sustained Planning, Institution-Building, and System Reforms for Sustainability

Despite the strong influence of short-term thinking in human nature and our institutions, Krznaric contends that focusing on a longer time frame is a key ingredient in humanity's remarkable historical achievements. From ancient pyramid builders to today's ambitious engineers, humans have repeatedly demonstrated the ability to envision initiatives that span several decades or even centuries ahead. Moreover, historical examples show that emergencies can become powerful catalysts for generating and implementing long-term oriented solutions and reforms.

Thinking Like a Cathedral Builder: Designing for the Far-Off Future in History

Krznaric argues that humans excel at long-term planning and presents a range of evidence to support this claim. From ancient pyramids to more recent feats of civil engineering, humans have shown the capacity to commit to projects that take decades or even centuries to complete and to ensure that they are designed to last through multiple generations.

Instances of Enduring Construction, Infrastructure, and Urban Design

Through an extensive catalogue of projects spanning five millennia, Krznaric highlights the enduring power of a future-oriented perspective. The list includes both buildings designed for longevity and complex infrastructure and engineering feats requiring visionaries with a future-focused view to oversee their implementation. Examples range from the Great Wall of China, construction of which began in the 3rd century BCE, to the UK's National Health Service established in 1948, to the ongoing effort to create an underground nuclear waste repository in Finland designed to remain safe for 100,000 years.

Krznaric points out that this type of planning goes far beyond large-scale building projects and can be seen in public policy initiatives, scientific endeavors, and even in societal campaigns. Suffragists, for example, were willing to commit to a decades-long struggle to secure women's suffrage.

Practical Tips

• You can apply the idea of infrastructure development by mapping out a "future-proof" plan for your home. Consider energy efficiency, space utilization, and maintenance. For example, you might plan to install solar panels, create a multi-purpose room, or choose durable materials for any upcoming renovations. This exercise will help you think about how your personal space can adapt to future needs and challenges, mirroring larger-scale infrastructure planning.

Other Perspectives

• The comparison of these projects may overlook the vastly different contexts, purposes, and scales, which could challenge the idea that they are all examples of a similar future-oriented perspective.
• Some complex infrastructure and engineering feats have been driven by immediate needs or crises, rather than a long-term, future-focused vision.
• While planning for longevity is important, it can sometimes lead to inflexibility, making it difficult to adapt to unforeseen changes or new challenges that arise over time.

Crises as Catalysts for Extreme Planning Over Time

Krznaric highlights a recurring pattern throughout history: crises often act as catalysts for novel solutions and reform with lasting impacts. Using his own research on the successful introduction of wartime rationing systems, he explains how disruptive events can lead to a reshuffling of power, recasting of accepted norms, and a willingness to explore other approaches.

To illustrate the power of "sewer thinking," Krznaric uses the example of the Great Stink that occurred in Victorian London. Only when the unbearable stench of sewage began wafting from the Thames River into the newly built House of Parliament were politicians willing to finance construction of contemporary sanitation infrastructure. Despite the terrible toll of disease and death in the years leading up to the crisis, it took the direct, personal experience of this olfactory assault to galvanize long-term action. Krznaric argues that a similar dynamic could play out with climate change: that only when those in power are directly affected by the crisis will they be willing to take radical, long-term oriented measures to tackle it.

Context

• Economic crises can lead to significant restructuring of industries and markets. The 2008 financial crisis resulted in increased regulation of financial institutions and a reevaluation of risk management practices.
• Disruptive events can accelerate technological innovation, as seen during World War II, which spurred developments in radar, jet engines, and computing.
• Rationing systems also had psychological and social impacts, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose, but also leading to black markets and rationing-related crime in some cases.
• The success of Bazalgette's sewer system set a precedent for modern urban sanitation infrastructure, influencing the development of similar systems in other major cities around the world.
• The Great Stink raised public awareness about the importance of sanitation, influencing future urban planning and public health policies across Europe and beyond.
• Direct experiences of crises can trigger emotional responses such as fear, urgency, or empathy, which are powerful motivators for change. This emotional engagement can lead to a stronger commitment to finding solutions.
• Crises can accelerate the adoption of new technologies and scientific approaches, as seen in the rapid development of renewable energy solutions in response to climate challenges.

Emerging Models for Environmental, Financial, and Governance Transformation

While cathedral thinking may have its limitations—often failing to account for unintended, long-range consequences of its projects—Krznaric argues it will inevitably be required as we confront the unprecedented challenges of this century.

Circular Economy, Regenerative Design, Democratization of Energy

The author sees a new, interconnected set of models emerging that are moving beyond the traditional "take, make, use, lose" model of economics and embracing a more sustainable vision of living within nature's limits, known as regenerative design.

Krznaric explains that the circular economy offers a path toward minimizing waste and maximizing resource reuse, suggesting that nothing is wasted in a circular model—resources are simply misplaced. This requires more than simply recycling, and includes processes like repair, refurbishment, and repurposing to extend the life cycles of everything from clothing to building materials. Coupled with "cosmo-local fabrication," in which goods are manufactured locally using open-source digital designs, circular economic systems help minimize transport and energy consumption.

A parallel movement seeks to democratize energy creation and distribution through the establishment of microgrids, allowing households to generate their own sustainable power and trade their excess with their neighbors, thereby creating resilient, locally adapted systems. Alongside the growth of rewilding initiatives that are restoring ecosystems and sequestering carbon, Krznaric argues that these emerging approaches provide optimism for moving beyond the ecologically destructive pursuit of perpetual economic expansion, toward "one-planet thriving" in which financial and societal structures are fully integrated into the larger biosphere.

Context

• The traditional "take, make, use, lose" model refers to a linear economy where resources are extracted, used to make products, and then discarded as waste. This model often leads to resource depletion and environmental degradation.
• Countries like the Netherlands and Japan have been pioneers in adopting circular economy practices. They have implemented national strategies and initiatives to promote recycling, resource efficiency, and sustainable product design.
• The focus is on maximizing the utility of resources by keeping them in use for as long as possible. This involves designing products for durability, repairability, and upgradability, ensuring that materials retain their value over time.
• Extending product life cycles through these methods reduces the demand for new raw materials, decreases energy consumption, and minimizes environmental pollution.
• Cosmo-local fabrication allows for products to be tailored to specific local conditions or preferences, enhancing their relevance and utility for local users.
• They often incorporate renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines, which are more sustainable and environmentally friendly compared to fossil fuels.
• Advanced software and smart grid technologies are essential for managing microgrid operations, ensuring efficient energy distribution, and optimizing the balance between energy supply and demand.
• Rewilding can improve ecosystem services such as water purification, flood control, and soil fertility, benefiting both nature and human communities.
• This concept envisions a world where human activities are in harmony with the Earth's ecological limits. It involves rethinking economic success to include environmental health and social well-being, rather than just GDP growth.
• Building resilience into both natural and human systems is crucial for thriving on one planet. This includes adapting to climate change impacts, restoring ecosystems, and creating communities that can withstand environmental and economic shocks.

Rise of Independent City-States and Power Decentralization

Krznaric observes that urban centers are gaining political influence, growing in economic dominance, and becoming more ecologically significant as society becomes increasingly urban. Cities are becoming key players in the effort to address long-range issues, building international networks and enacting bold policies, often circumventing countries' governments and multinational corporations' focus on immediate results.

The author argues that cities hold a natural advantage regarding long-range visionaries and are centers of innovation, experimentation, and adaptability. Urban communities have a lengthy history of addressing issues with practicality and foresight, from developing water and sanitation infrastructure to implementing strategic city development that guarantees a good quality of life for their residents. Krznaric envisions a time to come where self-governing "bioregions" are ecologically sustainable and directly accountable to the people living there.

Practical Tips

• Choose to shop at local businesses to bolster the economic dominance of your urban area. By spending money within your community, you're investing in its economic health and helping to create a robust, self-sustaining urban economy. This can lead to more job opportunities and a stronger local market.
• Engage with city officials through social media to encourage the creation of international networks. A simple tweet or Facebook post to your city's official page suggesting a sister city program or asking about current international collaborations can raise awareness and show public interest in global partnerships.
• Encourage innovation in your daily life by setting aside time each week for creative thinking. Use this time to brainstorm solutions to everyday problems or to think of new ways to approach routine tasks. Keep a journal of these ideas and experiment with implementing at least one new idea each month.
• You can contribute to water conservation by installing a greywater system in your home. Greywater is gently used water from your bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines. It can be reused for other purposes, such as landscape irrigation and constructed wetlands. By reusing greywater, you not only save water but also reduce the amount of waste going into the sewer or septic system, thus contributing to a more sustainable urban water cycle.

Using Culture & Arts to Shift Mindsets & Narratives

Krznaric believes that culture and the arts are vital in the fight to shape a long-range perspective. Through storytelling, design, and creative expression they allow us to visualize possible futures, connect with future generations, and rethink the timelines of our lives.

Science Fiction, Art About Time, and Immersive Experiential Futures

Science fiction has a long tradition of exploring possible future trajectories, often functioning as a way to warn about the potential dangers of technological advancement and environmental destruction. Krznaric highlights Olaf Stapledon's Star Maker as a prescient example. In the novel, residents of a technologically advanced but ecologically unsustainable world become consumed by a new media technology that provides all sensory experiences without needing to physically interact with their environment. This "blissful broadcast" fuels a society centered on distraction, ultimately diverting focus from the looming environmental crisis. The result: societal collapse.

Krznaric draws inspiration from artistic projects that creatively engage with long-term time scales and challenge assumptions about perpetual progress in the future. Examples range from Cathy Haynes' "Stereochron Island" to Jonathon Keats' deep-time camera capturing a 1,000 year long exposure. Such projects push our understanding of time beyond the narrow horizon of immediate needs and draw attention to the ecological and social costs of our actions.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer with a local environmental organization and propose a project that incorporates science fiction elements, like a community garden inspired by a futuristic ecosystem from a novel you've read. This hands-on approach allows you to apply the cautionary tales of science fiction to real-world conservation efforts, fostering a creative and proactive stance towards environmental stewardship.
• Develop a "technology-free zone" in your home where no electronic devices are allowed. Choose a room or a specific area, such as the dining table, and make it a space for non-digital activities like board games, reading, or conversations with family and friends. This can help foster deeper connections and provide a break from the constant influx of media, potentially reducing the risk of the negative societal effects suggested by the narrative.
• Create a "Reverse Bucket List" that focuses on un-doing or simplifying rather than achieving new milestones. List things you can remove from your life, habits you want to break, or possessions you can donate. This activity challenges the assumption of perpetual progress by emphasizing reduction and reflection as forms of personal development.

Incorporating Long-Range Thought Into Learning and Spirituality

Krznaric points to education and religion as forces that can have a profound impact on how we envision the future. The challenge education systems face is not merely addressing swift changes in technology, but providing tools for confronting a future full of interconnected, long-term risks. Krznaric proposes a shift from teaching short-term, career-oriented skills to helping students learn to think like "good ancestors." He highlights projects that are incorporating long-term thinking into classrooms from "Roots of Empathy" (which uses infants to help young children develop empathy across generations) to Jim Dator's design course requiring students to develop governing systems for a future Mars colony.

Religion additionally has a powerful role to play. Krznaric argues that many faith traditions are presently being reinterpreted through an ecological lens, emphasizing their inherent long-term thinking values from the Christian concept of stewardship to Buddhist teachings on responsibility across generations. The Pope's encyclical from 2015, "Laudato si'," is a prominent example, highlighting the importance of justice across generations and condemning consumerist culture. Krznaric sees in the global activism of the environmental movement a new, emergent religion that places Mother Earth at its center.

In Krznaric's view, the challenge facing the cultural realm's time insurgents is to develop "a newly conceived community" founded on solidarity between generations. This requires more than the visual and visceral experiences provided by art, design, and sci-fi literature. It requires reshaping the frameworks through which society learns and acts, rethinking both learning systems and spiritual practices to promote values aligned with a civilization that considers extended time frames. As part of this shift, he advocates for "Good Ancestor curriculums" in schools and for new practices that promote lasting values of renewal and conservation.

Practical Tips

• Create a personal vision board that incorporates symbols and quotes from both educational and religious sources that inspire you. This visual tool can help you clarify and concentrate on your aspirations for the future. You might include a quote from a philosopher about the importance of learning or an image that represents a spiritual concept that resonates with your hopes for what lies ahead.
• Engage with your local school board or community education council to advocate for the inclusion of long-term risk management in the curriculum. Prepare a proposal highlighting the importance of teaching students about financial literacy, environmental stewardship, and health awareness from an early age. You could suggest partnerships with local businesses or non-profits that specialize in these areas to provide workshops or guest lectures.
• Engage with children and young people in your life about long-term thinking by initiating conversations about the future. Ask them to imagine the world they want to live in when they grow up and discuss the steps that could be taken today to make that vision a reality. This could be a family dinner topic or a theme for a storytelling session, encouraging them to think beyond the immediate moment.
• Create a "green scripture" study group with friends or community members who share your faith. Meet regularly to discuss passages from your religious texts that relate to nature and the environment. For instance, if a scripture speaks about the importance of water, use that session to talk about water conservation methods and how you can implement them in your community, drawing a direct line between your faith and ecological action.
• Create a 'future letter' time capsule for your descendants or future inhabitants of your home. Write letters explaining the choices you've made to preserve the environment and social equity, such as installing solar panels or participating in local clean-up efforts. Place these letters in a sealed container with a set date to be opened, providing a tangible connection between your actions today and their consequences for the next generation.
• Develop a "Nature's Ally" habit by choosing one environmentally damaging habit you have and replacing it with an eco-friendly alternative. For example, if you often use single-use plastics, switch to reusable containers and bags. This small but consistent change can have a significant impact over time and symbolize your devotion to protecting the Earth.
• Organize a "Story Swap" evening at a local cafe or library where individuals from different generations share stories about a common theme, such as "the day I made a big decision." This provides a platform for diverse perspectives and life experiences to be shared and appreciated in a relaxed, social setting.
• Use social media to initiate conversations about the transformative power of art, design, and sci-fi. Create posts that showcase examples of innovative designs or art pieces and pose questions about their potential societal impact. Encourage your followers to imagine how these concepts could be integrated into daily life. For example, share an image of a piece of wearable technology from a sci-fi film and ask your network to consider how such technology could change interpersonal communication or privacy.