Roman Krznaric, a social philosopher and Research Fellow at the Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, discusses how our understanding of time impacts our actions today and for future generations. He emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking and ancestral responsibility. Krznaric explores concepts like 'temporal intelligence' and critiques short-termism, urging listeners to consider their legacy. He also highlights the power of community and solidarity as essential tools for fostering a more connected and hopeful society.
The concept of time has dramatically shifted in Western society, now prioritizing immediacy over long-term wellbeing and sustainability.
Emphasizing temporal intelligence helps society find a balance between past lessons and present actions to improve future outcomes.
Being a good ancestor involves cultivating long-term thinking and social responsibility to positively impact future generations and foster community resilience.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Time Perception
The concept of time in the Western world has transformed significantly over the last 500 years, beginning with the invention of the mechanical clock. Initially, time was perceived in a more fluid manner until technological advancements allowed for precise measurement of hours, minutes, and seconds. This change not only accelerated work and consumption but also contributed to a societal obsession with the present moment, marking a departure from reflective consideration of the past and future. This urgent pace and hyper-focus on immediate results have shaped modern efforts to promote productivity, often at the expense of long-term wellbeing and sustainability.
Temporal Intelligence and Political Turbulence
The need for temporal intelligence, or the ability to think across different time horizons, has become increasingly vital in navigating today's complex political landscape, characterized by crises and extreme polarization. Understanding how to leverage insights from the past, present, and future can aid in balancing individual and collective needs, ultimately leading to more effective responses to contemporary issues. The ongoing turbulence manifesting through political instability, ecological crises, and social inequities underlines the importance of fostering cultures rooted in mutual understanding and solidarity. By cultivating a broader perspective on time, society can better appreciate the interconnectedness of humanity across generations.
Radical Flanks and Social Movements
The theory of the radical flank highlights the significance of having both moderate and radical movements within social reform efforts, as they can complement and strengthen each other's goals. Historical examples, such as the U.S. civil rights movement, illustrate how radical actions can create a sense of urgency, pushing mainstream entities to take action and effect change. The radical flank serves not only to disrupt but also to elevate critical issues, influencing the broader public discourse surrounding social justice and environmental crises. This dynamic reinforces the notion that even disruptive tactics can contribute positively to societal progress when viewed in the context of long-term goals.
Decolonizing the Future
The metaphor of colonization has been applied to contemporary discussions of our treatment of future generations, framing current practices as a disregard for the well-being of those yet to come. Decolonizing the future involves acknowledging our moral responsibility to consider the implications of current choices on both the environment and future societies. This shift in perspective encourages a reevaluation of policies and practices that prioritize short-term gains over sustainable, equitable outcomes. Initiatives, such as legal efforts to secure rights for future generations, and community-led movements for environmental justice exemplify ways to foster long-term thinking and accountability.
Cultivating Good Ancestors
A central theme emerging from the discussion is the concept of being a good ancestor, which invites individuals to consider how their actions today will affect future generations. By cultivating a mindset that prioritizes long-term thinking and collective responsibility, people can engage in practices that promote social solidarity and environmental stewardship. Small, impactful actions—like connecting with neighbors or participating in community initiatives—can create a foundation for resilience as society faces ongoing challenges. Ultimately, integrating the idea of ancestorhood into daily life enhances one's purpose, nurturing a sense of belonging and interconnectedness with both past and future.
It's been said that “the shortest path to the future is always one through the deepening of the past.” But how do we balance the past, present, and future, when all three weigh so heavily on our consciousness and our social existence?
Perhaps one way to find a balance—or at least to distill these various webbed threads of temporality—might be to pose them as questions: what can we learn from the past to help us in the present? And how can I be a good ancestor for the people of tomorrow? These are the questions that inform and guide the recent work of our guest on today's episode.
Roman Krznaric is a social philosopher, a Research Fellow at the Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, and the author of several books including most recently, History for Tomorrow: Inspiration from the Past for the Future of Humanity and The Good Ancestor: How to Think Long Term in a Short-Term World.
In this episode, we explore lessons from the past and what it means to be a good ancestor today. We look at how our conceptions of time can expand or limit the way that we answer these questions. We explore what it means to be on the radical fringes of a society, how to build and strengthen solidarity, and how to find meaning and community in a world that has grown increasingly isolating and alienating.
This episode was produced in collaboration with EcoGather, a collapse-responsive co-learning network that hosts free online Weekly EcoGatherings that foster conversation and build community around heterodox economics, collective action, and belonging in an enlivened world. In this collaboration, EcoGather will be hosting gatherings to bring some Upstream episodes to life—this is one of those episodes. We hope you can join the gathering on TK to discuss the topics covered in this episode. Find out more at www.ecogather.ing.
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