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comment by mk
mk  ·  4634 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: Thinking About "The Long Now"

Some years ago, I would have probably viewed The Clock of the Long Now as misappropriated time and resources, as I put little stock in efforts that are aimed at 'raising consciousness'. However, over time I have become of the opinion that public perception can change and does change, and that zeitgeists are rooted in conceptual landscapes which are often manufactured, whether intentionally or not.

IMO increased connectivity and big data are providing new frameworks for big- or long- thinking, and I believe there is much to be lost and won in the space. In the last five years, I have probably exercised my mental 'perspective-shift' muscle more than I did in the previous ten. Part of that might just be me getting a bit older, however, I suspect part of it has to do with the changing ways in which I engage the world.





theadvancedapes  ·  4634 days ago  ·  link  ·  

I definitely agree that more people are starting to think long-term because of big data. Over the past few generations we have really come up with an accurate story of how our species got to where we are today. This allows us to change our perspective on the future and develop a more informed understanding of our relationship to both time and space.

At the moment, I am really working hard to re-organize my expectations for my future life trajectory with data suggesting that I'll experience a different ageing process than my parents have.

mk  ·  4634 days ago  ·  link  ·  

My goal is 125 years. However, I do what I can to keep the focus on weeks and months, and enjoying what I've got for as long as I have it. IMO the long view really does mean thinking more about the present. Process is everything when the goal is beyond the horizon.