In 'The Clock of the Long Now,' Stewart Brand invites readers to consider the vastness of time, challenging the short-sightedness of modern civilization. He imagines a monumental clock designed to tick for 10,000 years, symbolizing the importance of thinking far beyond our immediate future. Through this lens, Brand explores sustainability, responsibility, and the interconnectedness of human actions over millennia. With a blend of philosophy, technology, and visionary thinking, he inspires a deep reflection on our legacy to future generations. Could our understanding of progress be forever transformed by simply extending our perspective?
By Stewart Brand
Published: 2000
""The future is not a gift, it is an achievement; and it can only be secured if we understand the long now.""
Using the designing and building of the Clock of the Long Now as a framework, this is a book about the practical use of long time perspective: how to get it, how to use it, how to keep it in and out of sight. Here are the central questions it inspires: How do we make long-term thinking automatic and common instead of difficult and rare? Discipline in thought allows freedom. One needs the space and reliability to predict continuity to have the confidence not to be afraid of revolutions Taking the time to think of the future is more essential now than ever, as culture accelerates beyond its ability to be measured Probable things are vastly outnumbered by countless near-impossible eventualities. Reality is statistically forced to be extraordinary; fiction is not allowed this freedom This is a potent book that combines the chronicling of fantastic technology with equally visionary philosophical inquiry.
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“"The future is not a gift, it is an achievement; and it can only be secured if we understand the long now."”
The Clock Of The Long Now
By Stewart Brand
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Stewart Brand is an influential American writer, best known for his work in the fields of technology, environment, and culture. Born on December 14, 1938, he gained prominence as the creator of the Whole Earth Catalog, a counterculture publication that epitomized the 1960s and 1970s. Brand's notable works include 'How Buildings Learn,' 'The Clock of the Long Now,' and 'Whole Earth Discipline,' where he explores themes of sustainability, design, and long-term thinking. His writing style is characterized by its blend of intellectual rigor and accessibility, often drawing connections between complex ideas and practical applications. Throughout his career, Brand has championed the importance of ecological awareness and innovative technologies.
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In "Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow," Yuval Noah Harari explores the future possibilities for humanity as we evolve beyond our current limitations. Delving into themes of artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and the quest for immortality, he provokes thought about what may come after Homo sapiens. As society increasingly turns to technology for solutions, he questions the implications of our pursuit of happiness and god-like powers. Will we augment our bodies and minds, or lose our humanity in the process? This provocative journey invites readers to ponder the exhilarating—and terrifying—potential of our own evolution.
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