Long Now

Sara Imari Walker, an esteemed astrobiologist and leader in assembly theory, joins Benjamin Bratton to discuss the intricate question: What is life? They delve into assembly theory's implications, revealing how life creates complex structures and how this complexity is rare in the universe. The conversation spans the intersection of time, space, and technology, proposing that time can be visualized as a physical entity. They also explore new frameworks to understand life’s origins and the potential of extraterrestrial existence.

Ezra Klein, a journalist and New York Times columnist, joins Derek Thompson from The Atlantic and author Michael Pollan for a thought-provoking dialogue. They explore the shift from a scarcity to an abundance mindset in politics, particularly after Trump's election. The trio advocates for rediscovering speed in governance to improve efficiency and accountability. They also tackle the housing crisis, urging a balance between community needs and individual interests, while scrutinizing the influence of power on societal progress.

Stephen Heintz and Kim Stanley Robinson say we live in an “Age of Turbulence.” Looking around our geopolitical situation, it’s easy to see what they mean. Faced with the ever-growing threat of climate change, the looming potential breakdown of the post-01945 international order, and the ambiguous prospects of rapid technological changes in fields like AI, biotechnology, and geoengineering, it is clear that we need new answers to new challenges. Stephen Heintz, a Public policy expert and president of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF), and Kim Stanley Robinson, one of the most acclaimed science fiction authors writing today, work in very different fields. But each of them in his own way has sketched out a vision of what we must do to face down the intersecting crises of our time: While their methods may differ, they align on their conclusions. In their Long Now Talk, Heintz and Robinson propose what they refer to as “A Logic For The Future” — a new path for international relations in the face of the chaos of our current age. Episode Notes: https://longnow.org/ideas/a-logic-for-the-future/

K Allado-McDowell, an artist and technologist, dives deep into the realm of Neural Media, exploring how AI challenges our creativity and self-perception. They discuss the evolution of AI-generated art and its implications for identity, referencing the viral 'trippysquirrel.jpg.' Allado-McDowell also highlights the optimism found in the chaos of low-quality AI outputs, suggesting that these new tools can deepen our understanding of ourselves and our interconnected world, blurring the lines between art and technology in transformative ways.

Join Ahmed Best, an award-winning artist and Afrofuturist scholar, and Lisa Kay Solomon, Futurist in Residence, as they discuss the vital role of feeling in shaping our future. Best shares insights from his career, emphasizing how emotion and storytelling can foster community. They explore vulnerability's importance in building connections, and challenging narratives to ignite change. Together, they envision a hopeful 2050 rooted in trust and collaboration, highlighting the power of shared experiences to create a thriving and inclusive future.

Benjamin Bratton, a Professor at UC San Diego and Director of the Antikythera think tank, dives into the fascinating realm of planetary computation. He connects ancient technologies like the Antikythera mechanism to modern challenges, emphasizing how our tech outpaces our understanding. Bratton discusses how artificial intelligence interacts with our ecological existence and the philosophical implications of our evolving cognitive landscape. He urges a shift in thinking about intelligence and collaboration as we navigate the complexities of the future.

Roman Krznaric is a social philosopher and author of "History for Tomorrow," while Kate Raworth is a renegade economist known for the "Doughnut Economics" framework. They dive into how history can guide us in creating regenerative economic systems. Discussing doughnut economics, they challenge traditional growth models and advocate for sustainable frameworks that respect social and planetary boundaries. They highlight innovative ownership structures and historical water management practices as pathways to resilience, emphasizing community engagement and long-term thinking.

Neal Stephenson, a visionary author known for his speculative fiction like Cryptonomicon, joins journalist Charles C. Mann to discuss his new book, Polostan. They explore the intriguing themes of historical storytelling set against the backdrop of the Atomic Age. The conversation delves into the creative journey of writing, future challenges like climate change, and the role of women in history. They also touch on humor in exploration narratives and reflect on the complexities of historical events, offering listeners a rich tapestry of insights and ideas.

Alicia Escott and Heidi Quante discuss their participatory artwork The Bureau of Linguistical Reality, creating new words for unexplored feelings amidst the climate crisis. They delve into crafting neologisms, exploring emotions like longing and fear, and empowering individuals to reshape language to address global issues.

Dr. Jonathan Cordero discusses how indigenous epistemologies challenge capitalism and colonialism, emphasizing the importance of indigeneity and sovereignty. Topics include decolonization, settler colonialism, and the inspiration behind the work of the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone. The podcast explores the significance of indigenous knowledge in reshaping societal structures, the influence on ecological restoration, and the importance of tribal governance in preserving indigenous spirituality.