TED Talks Daily The power to think ahead in a reckless age | Bina Venkataraman
Aug 22, 2019
Bina Venkataraman, an author and futurist, challenges us to think beyond the present and consider our legacy for future generations. She discusses common pitfalls that hinder our ability to envision the long-term, advocating for tools that enhance our foresight. Venkataraman shares innovative approaches for sustainable practices in agriculture and energy, drawing lessons from past disasters. She also emphasizes the importance of preserving family legacies and adapting strategies for navigating an unpredictable world, ultimately inspiring us to become 'good ancestors.'
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Short-Term Focus
- Our focus on immediate gratification hinders long-term thinking.
- This affects our personal lives, businesses, and political systems.
Systemic Issues
- The design of our communities, businesses, and institutions impairs foresight.
- We often measure and reward short-term gains over long-term value.
Perennial Grains
- Wes Jackson developed perennial grain crops to prevent topsoil erosion.
- He incentivized farmers by boosting yields and finding companies to use the grains.