long-term-responsibility
The idea of making long-term thinking automatic and common to counteract society's short attention span and encourage responsibility over centuries.
2 chapters across 1 book
Clock of the Long Now: Time and Responsibility (1999)Stewart Brand
The chapter 'Preamble' introduces the concept of the Clock of the Long Now, a large mechanical clock designed to keep time for 10,000 years as a tool to encourage long-term thinking and responsibility. It outlines the motivation behind the project, emphasizing the societal trend toward short-term perspectives driven by technology, economics, and politics, and presents the Clock and its associated Library as both a mechanism and myth to promote deep time awareness. The chapter also details the founding of the Long Now Foundation, its key members, and the ongoing development of the Clock prototype and cultural initiatives to foster a long-term outlook.
Chapter 25, "The Infinite Game," explores the philosophical framework of infinite versus finite games as introduced by James P. Carse, emphasizing the importance of long-term thinking and responsibility. It situates the concept within the broader context of cultural continuity, technological preservation, and the challenge of sustaining civilization through deep time. The chapter also includes a recommended bibliography that reflects the interdisciplinary influences informing the Long Now project, highlighting works on history, cooperation, technology, and futurism.