Longpath

“What kind of ripple effect will your choices today have on the world your grandchildren inherit?”

1. Embracing Long-Term Thinking Can Transform Society

Building a better future requires us to shift from short-term to long-term thinking. This philosophy draws inspiration from the Iroquois Confederacy, who considered the impact of their decisions on the next seven generations. From policies to personal actions, adopting this perspective profoundly influences how we live today with a reverence for tomorrow.

Our modern world is drowning in short-termism. Businesses chase quarterly profits, individuals prioritize instant gratification, and governments make decisions based on election cycles rather than enduring progress. This lack of long-term thinking has led to environmental degradation, social inequality, and unsustainable practices across the board.

By adopting a Longpath mindset, we prioritize empathy, intergenerational responsibility, and connection. These values help us see the bigger picture and act in ways that benefit not just present-day society, but also future humanity. Such a vision fosters societal harmony and personal fulfillment.

Examples

• The Iroquois Confederacy's seven-generation principle for decision-making.
• Governments like Sweden's "Ministry of the Future" dedicate themselves to long-term policies.
• Parents teaching their children sustainable practices for a lasting positive influence.

2. Humanity Is Living in an "Intertidal" Moment of Change

We are in a tumultuous period, described as an "Intertidal" moment – a time when the old ways of life are being disrupted and new paradigms are taking shape. This period is as significant as the Enlightenment or the Industrial Revolution, requiring us to be active participants in shaping the next stage of civilization.

As traditional structures like organized religion and political norms lose their grip, new systems and ideals are emerging. Technology, globalization, and climate change further challenge the status quo, creating both uncertainty and opportunity. In such moments, chaos is inevitable but essential for transformation.

History offers examples of similar transitions. The fall of the Roman Empire led to societal regression, while the Enlightenment catapulted humanity into an age of reason and innovation. Which direction we take now depends on our ability to embrace new ways of thinking, like Longpath.

Examples

• The waning influence of organized religion and its replacement by secular movements.
• The Industrial Revolution's upheaval leading to technological advances and societal shifts.
• Complexity theorist Ilya Prigogine's findings on how chaotic systems can transition to order.

3. Short-Term Thinking Is Holding Us Back

Short-term thinking dominates our individual and collective behavior, often working against our best interests. Whether it's binging junk food, cutting sustainability corners for profit, or scrolling endlessly on social media, these patterns hinder long-term fulfillment and progress.

Human instincts evolved to react to immediate rewards and threats, which helped early humans survive. However, in today's context, such instincts create habits that harm both individuals and societies. Social media, for instance, amplifies this tendency, with likes and shares offering fleeting highs that replace meaningful connection.

We can break free from these patterns with a three-step process: acknowledge how short-term thinking affects us, believe in our ability to change, and actively cultivate long-term habits like gratitude and empathy. These efforts can reshape not just personal choices, but entire cultural norms.

Examples

• Social media's focus on instant feedback drives superficial behaviors.
• Eating fast food provides immediate pleasure but long-term health problems.
• Neighborhoods built in environmentally risky areas prioritize immediate profits, risking future disasters.

4. Empathy Across Generations Is Essential for Positive Change

To think long-term, we need what Ari Wallach calls transgenerational empathy—caring deeply about the struggles and successes of both our ancestors and our descendants. This mindset connects us across time, allowing us to act with greater compassion and purpose.

We honor our ancestors by recognizing their sacrifices and learning from their mistakes, even the darker parts of human history. For example, South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission shows how confronting past injustices can lead to healing and progress. Self-compassion is just as important, allowing us to forgive our own mistakes and strive to do better.

Looking ahead, we must also consider the legacy we pass down to future generations. Simple acts, like leaving an empty chair at meetings for the next generation's interests, can imbue small or large-scale decisions with forward-looking empathy.

Examples

• South Africa's Commission learned from apartheid-era atrocities to foster healing.
• Families setting aside a space at the dinner table to symbolize future members.
• Amazon boardrooms leaving an empty chair for future generations' representation.

5. Questioning "Official Futures" Allows Us to Forge Better Paths

Society often presents a fixed idea of what the future looks like, known as the "official future." These narratives can limit our imagination and discourage creativity. Instead of accepting them, we should explore numerous alternative paths forward.

We have the power to co-create the future. It is not enough to avoid dystopian scenarios or resist undesirable possibilities. We must actively envision and examine the futures we wish to bring to life. This requires intentionality, creativity, and inclusivity, ensuring all voices are heard in designing what's next.

For example, Hogewey, a village for Alzheimer's patients in the Netherlands, offers a model of rethinking the official narrative around elder care. Instead of sterile institutions, residents live in a supportive, vibrant community where dignity is paramount.

Examples

• Science fiction often warns of dystopian futures without offering utopian alternatives.
• Yvonne van Amerongen's creative vision of Hogewey.
• Examining and questioning traditional measures of success, like GDP.

6. Connection and Cooperation Are Foundational

Building a harmonious future demands collaboration. While an individual can adopt Longpath thinking for personal growth, collective effort is necessary for meaningful societal impact. Cooperation requires trust, communication, and a shared sense of purpose.

We can foster cooperation through open conversations, shared visions, and facilitation. In practice, this might mean engaging neighbors, co-workers, and even governments in discussions about improving the world. Such interactions bond people to common goals and lead to collective problem-solving.

In Aruba, for example, a national discussion with its 50,000 residents led to a comprehensive strategy for sustainability. This demonstrates the tremendous power of collective input in addressing significant challenges.

Examples

• Aruba’s discussions on sustainability yielded unified action plans.
• Families brainstorming ways to reduce their environmental impact.
• Local communities planting gardens to generate food and strengthen teamwork.

7. Small Acts of Kindness Can Have Wide Reaching Effects

Day-to-day actions might seem insignificant, but they have the potential to spark widespread change. Politeness, empathy, and simple human connections can build a foundation of trust and collaboration, which is essential for a better future.

Chain reactions of kindness can ripple through communities. When we treat others with respect and generosity, we encourage those same qualities in them, eventually leading to collective improvements on larger scales. Modeling positive behaviors influences others in ways we can't always see.

Making eye contact, greeting a neighbor, or offering help to someone in need creates a sense of unity. These small gestures may seem mundane but can have an outsized impact on fostering cooperation and goodwill.

Examples

• Greeting a neighbor with warmth can lead to stronger community ties.
• Holding the door or offering a smile creates brief but meaningful connections.
• Teachers showing kindness inspiring students to replicate it in their own relationships.

Takeaways

1. Take time to reflect on how your decisions today might shape outcomes years from now, whether in personal habits or broader societal contributions.
2. Start meaningful conversations about the future with your family, friends, or colleagues, focusing on collaboration and empathy.
3. Commit to one small, consistent act of kindness each day to foster connection and trust in your community.