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The Clock Of The Long Now summary
Stewart Brand
Brief summary
The Clock of the Long Now by Stewart Brand is a thought-provoking exploration of long-term thinking and the concept of building a 10,000-year clock. It delves into the importance of considering the distant future and the legacy we leave behind.
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The Clock Of The Long Now
Summary of key ideas
Understanding Long-Term Thinking
In The Clock of the Long Now, Stewart Brand introduces us to the concept of long-term thinking. He begins by discussing the idea of the 'long now' - a mindset that considers the past, present, and future in equal measure. Brand argues that our society is plagued by short-term thinking, and this mindset is responsible for many of our current global issues.
Brand then introduces the Long Now Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering long-term thinking. The foundation's most ambitious project is the construction of a mechanical clock designed to keep time for 10,000 years. This clock, known as the Clock of the Long Now, is intended to encourage people to think about the distant future and the impact of their actions on it.
Building The Clock
As we delve deeper into The Clock of the Long Now, Brand takes us on a journey through the construction of the clock. He describes the challenges the team faced, such as finding a suitable location for the clock, designing it to withstand the test of time, and ensuring it remains accurate for millennia.
Brand also discusses the philosophical and practical considerations that went into the clock's design. For instance, the clock is powered by the sun and is designed to chime once a year, with a different melody each millennium. These features are intended to remind people of the vast timescales involved and the importance of thinking beyond their own lifetimes.
Thinking In Millennia
Continuing his exploration of long-term thinking, Brand discusses the implications of considering time in millennia rather than years. He argues that this perspective can help us address global issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and political instability. By thinking in the long term, we can make more sustainable decisions that benefit future generations.
Brand also highlights the importance of preserving cultural and environmental heritage for the long now. He discusses projects such as the Long Now Foundation's Rosetta Project, which aims to create a digital archive of human languages, and efforts to protect biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
Challenges And Opportunities
In the latter part of The Clock of the Long Now, Brand addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with long-term thinking. He acknowledges that it's difficult for individuals and societies to prioritize the distant future over immediate concerns. However, he also emphasizes the potential benefits of doing so, such as increased resilience, sustainability, and a sense of shared responsibility.
Brand concludes by encouraging readers to adopt a long-term mindset in their own lives. He suggests that we can all contribute to the 'long now' by making decisions that consider the well-being of future generations, supporting long-term projects and initiatives, and fostering a sense of continuity and stewardship over time.
Final Thoughts
In summary, The Clock of the Long Now by Stewart Brand is a thought-provoking exploration of long-term thinking and its potential impact on our world. Through the lens of the Clock of the Long Now and the work of the Long Now Foundation, Brand challenges us to consider time on a grand scale and to take responsibility for the future. The book serves as a call to action, urging us to think beyond our immediate concerns and embrace a more expansive, long-term perspective.
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What is The Clock Of The Long Now about?
The Clock of the Long Now by Stewart Brand explores the concept of long-term thinking and the construction of a clock designed to keep time for 10,000 years. It delves into the importance of considering the distant future in our decision-making and the impact it could have on our society and the planet.
The Clock Of The Long Now Review
The Clock Of The Long Now (1999) by Stewart Brand is a fascinating exploration of long-term thinking and the importance of preserving and shaping the future. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- With thought-provoking insights into civilization, technology, and the environment, it challenges our perspective and encourages us to consider the consequences of our actions.
- The book delves into the ambitious project of building a 10,000-year clock, highlighting the need for long-term planning and sustainability in a world focused on short-term thinking.
- By weaving together history, philosophy, and science, Brand presents a compelling argument for embracing long-term responsibility and thinking beyond our individual lifetimes.
Who should read The Clock Of The Long Now?
- Individuals interested in long-term thinking and sustainability
- Readers curious about the concept of a 10,000-year clock and its implications
- Those seeking a deeper understanding of how different cultures perceive time
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The Clock Of The Long Now FAQs
What is the main message of The Clock Of The Long Now?
The main message of The Clock Of The Long Now is to encourage long-term thinking and responsibility for future generations.
How long does it take to read The Clock Of The Long Now?
The reading time for The Clock Of The Long Now varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in a matter of minutes.
Is The Clock Of The Long Now a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Clock Of The Long Now is a thought-provoking book that challenges conventional thinking. It offers valuable insights and is definitely worth a read.
Who is the author of The Clock Of The Long Now?
The author of The Clock Of The Long Now is Stewart Brand.
What to read after The Clock Of The Long Now?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Clock Of The Long Now, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Big Data by Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier
- Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
- On Intelligence by Jeff Hawkins and Sandra Blakeslee
- Brave New War by John Robb
- Abundance# by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler
- The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver
- You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier
- The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku
- The Second Machine Age by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee
- Out of Control by Kevin Kelly