The greatest challenge facing humankind is not climate change or terrorism; it is our inability to think long term. Britain’s leading public philosopher is here to change the way we think to ensure a tomorrow.
We live in the age of the tyranny of the now: politicians can barely see past the next election or businesses past the next quarterly report, and we are addicted to the latest tweet and the ‘buy now’ button. How can we overcome this frenetic short-termism and extend our time horizons to tackle long-term challenges from the climate crisis to the threats of artificial intelligence?
Drawing on his powerful new book, The Good Ancestor: How To Think Long Term in a Short Term World, leading public philosopher Roman Krznaric reveals how we can expand our imaginations far beyond the here and now. Exploring everything from the seventh-generation thinking of indigenous peoples and politically empowered ‘guardians of the future’ to the history of the London sewers and the latest neuroscience research, Krznaric argues that we have an inbuilt capacity to become ‘cathedral thinkers’.
It is time to confront one of the most vital questions of the 21st century: How can we be good ancestors?
Praise for Roman Krznaric:
‘This is the book our children’s children will thank us for reading’ – The Edge, U2
‘It deserves to be widely read – by policy makers, and indeed by all citizens who care about the prospects for their children and grandchildren’ – Professor Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal
Clear-sighted and inspiring – a must-read for anyone who’s looking for the good news – Brian Eno
‘Krznaric’s seamless and magical prose delights on every page. Let’s engrave his “six ways to think long” across the gateway to every Parliament in the world’ – Professor Tim Jackson, author of Prosperity Without Growth
About Our Digital Programme:
In response to the global pandemic, How To Academy is curating a not-for-profit programme of live-streamed talks and conversations bringing you advice, insight and entertainment. Tickets are offered on a Pay What You Can basis, including a Free option for those who cannot afford more at this difficult time. Thank you for your help sustaining How To Academy through the crisis — and for enabling us to share new thinking from across the globe at a time when it has never been more important.
Books will be shipped within two weeks after the event. Please note that due to the challenges of distribution during the global pandemic, some books may be delayed. If we experience any delay in getting your copy to you, we will contact you by email to let you know. Thank you for supporting a local London business, Primrose Hill Books.
