The Clock Of The Long Now

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.""

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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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About the Author

S

Stewart Brand

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.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Stewart Brand
Published
April 2000
Publisher
Basic Books
ISBN
0465007805
Language
English
Pages
208
Genres
Philosophy of MindPhilosophySustainable DesignScience and NatureTechnologyEnvironmental Science

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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

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