Big Ideas
Worried about the future? A mosquito could help you to live in the present
May 5, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Richard Fisher, author of 'The Long View' and former BBC science writer, teams up with Ande Somby, a celebrated Yoik singer and Associate Professor at The Arctic University of Norway. They explore the profound connection between time and human experience, contrasting short-term modern thinking with Indigenous perspectives. Discover how a mosquito bite can remind us of life's fleeting moments and learn the ethical implications of our relationship with nature. They advocate for a future that balances imagination, community, and moral responsibility.
54:05
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast emphasizes the significance of re-evaluating our perceptions of time, advocating for a shift from short-term thinking to long-term perspectives informed by diverse cultural insights.
- It discusses the ethical responsibilities we hold toward future generations, highlighting how our legacies, like environmental issues, can profoundly impact their lives and well-being.
Deep dives
The Human Relationship with Time
Humans possess a unique relationship with time that distinguishes them from other species, characterized by the ability to envision the past and future distinctly. This notion of 'mental time travel' allows people to recall past experiences and project themselves into future scenarios, shaping decisions and behaviors. However, studies suggest that individuals often struggle to vividly imagine extensions of time beyond the immediate present, with clarity diminishing when thinking about events years or decades ahead. This tendency raises questions about the psychological implications of our capacity to reflect on time and its influence on our present actions.
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