

Long Now
The Long Now Foundation
The Long Now Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to fostering long-term thinking and responsibility. Explore hundreds of lectures and conversations from scientists, historians, artists, entrepreneurs, and more through The Long Now Foundation's award-winning Long Now Talks, started in 02003 by Long Now co-founder Stewart Brand (creator of the Whole Earth Catalog). Past speakers include Brian Eno, Neal Stephenson, Jenny Odell, Daniel Kahneman, Suzanne Simard, Jennifer Pahlka, Kim Stanley Robinson, and many more. Watch video of these talks at https://longnow.org/talks
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 19, 2024 • 56min
Jonathan Cordero: Indigenous Sovereign Futures
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.

10 snips
Mar 7, 2024 • 56min
Denise Hearn: Embodied Economies
Delve into the myths of capitalism and the need for new economic narratives to serve humanity. Explore the influence of ancient traditions on shaping global economies and societies. Challenge the objectivity of economics and unveil power dynamics at play. Trace the evolution of profit concepts and analyze the societal construction of markets. Examine the impact of private equity on wealth transfer and job creation, while advocating for long-term thinking to reshape economic narratives.

Dec 22, 2023 • 0sec
Jared Farmer: Chronodiversity: Thinking about Time with Trees
Jared Farmer, an expert in chronodiversity and the study of time through trees, reflects on our long-term relationships with old trees. Topics discussed include: the cultural significance of ancient trees, the impact of climate change on ancient forests, conflicting perspectives on eucalyptus trees in California, success stories of tree protection, preserving trees throughout history, and the emotional motivation behind tree planting.

7 snips
Nov 21, 2023 • 56min
Abby Smith Rumsey: Hijacked Histories, Polarized Futures
This podcast explores the manipulation and revision of history in various countries, emphasizing the importance of aligning history textbooks with the facts. It delves into the challenges of reconciling liberty and equality, reinventing democracy, and the impact of government education on public perception. The speaker also highlights the importance of being present in our actions, understanding history through biographies, and building understanding through respectful dialogue.

Nov 16, 2023 • 59min
Henry Farrell: The Complex Aftermath of Globalization
The podcast discusses the complex aftermath of globalization and the challenges it poses. Topics include the interconnectedness of the world, climate change, economic inequality, supply chain vulnerabilities, and mass migration. The speaker explores the centralized nature of global communications and manufacturing networks, the dangers of the military industrial complex, and insights from cybernetics for redesigning bureaucracy. They also discuss the perception of large language models and the limits of globalization. The podcast ends on an optimistic note, highlighting moments of collaboration and urging listeners to find hope in potential crises.

Oct 19, 2023 • 32min
Coco Krumme: The False Promise of Optimization
Scientific computation expert Coco Krumme dives into the history and consequences of optimization. She highlights the limitations and risks of streamlined systems, exploring their impact on resilience and perspectives. Krumme questions the societal bargains made in the name of optimization and urges us to consider alternatives.

Oct 10, 2023 • 57min
Chelsea T. Hicks & Bette Adriaanse: Radical Sharing
Author Bette Adriaanse, Chelsea T. Hicks, Brian Eno, and Aqui Thami discuss property, sharing, and making lasting positive change in how we share the world. They explore contracts, trust, and embedded ideas in our laws, address wealth inequality and past injustices, and explore different approaches for individuals and communities to take responsibility for addressing inequality. They also discuss the connection between land and humanity, rematuation, and reconnecting to indigenous beliefs.

Jun 28, 2023 • 1h 5min
Anthropocene Magazine: The Climate Parables: Reporting from the Future
**Story & Performance Credits:**
**Dodging the Apocalypse** story by Mark Alpert | Actor: Stuart Briggs | Video: Ruda Virginio | Score: Tristan de Liège
**Victory Condition** story by Eliot Peper | Actor: Marilyn Pittman | Video: Back Pocket Media and Ruda Virgini | Found footage by: Chris Lange, Oscar Osbo, Robert Pullum, Sean Kirmani, Matt Trainor, Billy Bjork, Loren Hamilton, Panorama International Productions, Living with Fire_ The USGS Southern California Wildfire Risk Project | Score: Tristan de Liège
**Glacial Elevation Operations** story by Kim Stanley Robinson | Actor: Conrad Cecil | Video: Alborz Kamalizad | Score: Tristan de Liège

Jun 20, 2023 • 1h 4min
Ryan Phelan: Bringing Biotech to Wildlife Conservation
How can we turn the tide on species loss and help biodiversity and bioabundance flourish for millennia to come?
Ryan Phelan is Executive Director of [Revive & Restore](https://reviverestore.org); the leading wildlife conservation organization promoting the incorporation of biotechnologies into standard conservation practice. Phelan shared the new Genetic Rescue Toolkit for conservation – a suite of biotechnology tools and conservation applications that offer hope and a path to recovery for threatened species. In this talk, Phelan presented examples of the toolkit in action, including corals that better withstand rising ocean temperatures, trees that withstand a fungal blight, and the genetic rescue of the black-footed ferret, once thought to be extinct.
Revive & Restore brings biotechnologies to conservation in responsible ways; from engaging local communities where ecological restorations are underway, to connecting stakeholders in disciplines like biotech, bioethics, conservation organizations and government agencies. Together, they are forging new paths to bioabundance in our changing world.
Ryan Phelan was joined by forecaster and Long Now Board Member [Paul Saffo](https://longnow.org/people/paul-saffo/) for the Q&A; to discuss long-term outcomes and the Intended Consequences framing used by Revive & Restore.

18 snips
Jun 15, 2023 • 56min
Becky Chambers & Annalee Newitz: Resisting Dystopia
Join Becky Chambers and Annalee Newitz as they discuss resisting dystopia, embracing coziness in fiction, respecting AI workers, and the power of small actions in building a better world. Dive into their immersive worlds filled with non-human persons, peace, and hope, exploring new futures through storytelling and collective efforts.