Bina Venkataraman on Effectively Thinking Ahead

Nov 17, 2020

Bina Venkataraman, an American journalist and author, dives deep into the art of thinking ahead. She explores pivotal themes from her book, The Optimist's Telescope, emphasizing the balance between present living and future planning. Discover how long-term thinking can enhance decision-making and societal contributions. Bina shares insights on overcoming short-term satisfaction to foster meaningful futures, addresses emotional health strategies, and encourages resilience through setbacks. A thought-provoking conversation on making choices today for a better tomorrow!

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INSIGHT

Feeding the Good Wolf

Feeding the "good wolf" requires long-term thinking, which can be challenging due to societal pressures for instant gratification.
Building meaningful, enduring contributions often lacks short-term rewards but brings lasting fulfillment.

ANECDOTE

Marshmallow Test's Untold Story

The marshmallow test's untold story reveals that cultural norms and peer groups influence delayed gratification more than individual willpower.
Children in groups that value waiting are more likely to wait, highlighting the impact of social reinforcement.

ADVICE

Tools for Future Thinking

Use tools like virtual reality avatars or letters to your future self to bridge the imagination gap and connect with your older self.
Imagining future scenarios helps you understand how present decisions impact your long-term well-being.

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Bina Venkataraman is an American journalist, author, and science policy expert. She is currently the Editorial Page Editor of The Boston Globe and a fellow at New America. Bina is a frequent public speaker whose appearances have included the TED mainstage, NPR, Aspen Ideas, MSNBC, CNN, and university campuses around the world. Bina formerly served as Senior Advisor for Climate Change Innovation in the Obama White House and she also advised the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in responding to the Ebola epidemic, promoting patient access to cancer therapies, and reforming public school science education.

In this episode, Bina and Eric discuss her book, The Optimist’s Telescope: Thinking Ahead in a Reckless Age, and how we can live in the present in such a way that we also create the future that we’d like to inhabit.

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In This Interview, Bina Venkataraman and I Discuss Effectively Thinking Ahead and…

Her book, The Optimist’s Telescope: Thinking Ahead in a Reckless Age
How to make decisions about the future
The untold story of the marshmallow test
How most people don’t look past 15 years in the future
Tools for more effectively imagining the future
Tools for more effectively planning for the future
Being present while also orienting for the future
When we’re more likely to make bad decisions
The role of implementing impulse buffers
When an “if/then” strategy can be most helpful to you
How our past informs our view of the future
Social movements that influence lasting change

Bina Venkataraman Links:

writerbina.com

Twitter

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