Longpath summary

Humanity is in the midst of an Intertidal – a term author Ari Wallach uses to represent a crucial period of monumental change. 

And when we say crucial, we mean Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution-level crucial. The kind of seismic shifts that alter the world for centuries.  So, if we are currently in the middle of an Intertidal, how did we get here?

Globalization is one reason. Climate change is another, as is the rapid pace of changes in technology. But it’s more than just these forces. It’s a marked shift in cultural attitudes, too. The way people have thought about the world for generations is shifting.

The influence of organized religion is waning, and there’s a contest to determine what might take its place. Foundational ideas of freedom, justice, and equality are being reconsidered through a 21st century lens. 

This moment presents a unique opportunity to rewrite the rules of civilization. This may sound a bit jarring, but it doesn’t have to be.

It’s true, Intertidals are chaotic. But it’s precisely this chaos that creates a unique opportunity for lasting change. According to Nobel Laureate and complexity theorist Ilya Prigogine, systems often shift from periods of immense chaos to order and equilibrium.  Whether this new equilibrium is better or worse than the present is up to us.

Some Intertidals represent a step backward, like the collapse of the Roman Empire that ushered in the bleakness of the Middle Ages. This is probably not something we want to repeat. Others, like the Scientific Revolution, have helped propel humanity forward.

So, how do we turn the chaos of today into a better world? We must reject short-termism, and instead embrace our capacity for empathy, cooperation, and looking ahead. We must understand that our choices today will have ripple effects for generations. We must accept our role in the broader story of humanity.

By adopting the Longpath mentality, we can lead happier lives. But Longpath isn’t simply about self-improvement. It’s also about building a better future for posterity.

If we reject toxic short-term thinking and prioritize the future, we can achieve both. Here’s how to build a future our descendants will thank us for.