Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary benefit of cultivating a longer view, according to the author?
What is the primary benefit of cultivating a longer view, according to the author?
What term does geologist Marcia Bjornerud use to describe the perspective gained from taking a longer view?
What term does geologist Marcia Bjornerud use to describe the perspective gained from taking a longer view?
According to the author, what is the primary obstacle to cultivating a longer view?
According to the author, what is the primary obstacle to cultivating a longer view?
What is the author's main argument against living in the present moment?
What is the author's main argument against living in the present moment?
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What is the author's view on the relationship between the present and the past/future?
What is the author's view on the relationship between the present and the past/future?
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What is the term used to describe the ability to imagine the past and future in one's mind?
What is the term used to describe the ability to imagine the past and future in one's mind?
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What is the consequence of excessive focus on the present moment?
What is the consequence of excessive focus on the present moment?
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What is the name of the test that demonstrates humans' tendency to prioritize short-term rewards?
What is the name of the test that demonstrates humans' tendency to prioritize short-term rewards?
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What is the term used to describe the tendency to prioritize short-term rewards over long-term benefits?
What is the term used to describe the tendency to prioritize short-term rewards over long-term benefits?
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What is the consequence of the 'near-far' temporal bias?
What is the consequence of the 'near-far' temporal bias?
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What is the primary consequence of the biases and cultural influences mentioned in the passage?
What is the primary consequence of the biases and cultural influences mentioned in the passage?
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What is the relationship between the 'long view' and the present moment, according to the passage?
What is the relationship between the 'long view' and the present moment, according to the passage?
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What is the author's primary concern about the way people typically approach the present moment?
What is the author's primary concern about the way people typically approach the present moment?
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What is the primary advantage of mentally 'time-travelling' out of the present, according to the passage?
What is the primary advantage of mentally 'time-travelling' out of the present, according to the passage?
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What is the author's primary goal in cultivating a longer view, according to the passage?
What is the author's primary goal in cultivating a longer view, according to the passage?
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Study Notes
Mental Time Travel
- Humans have the ability to mentally time-travel, stepping outside the present to imagine the past and future.
- This ability is thought to have contributed to the success of the human species.
The Importance of Mental Time Travel
- Mental time travel allows us to conjure up rich scenes of the past, present, and future in our mind's eye.
- It enables us to picture past eras, imagine deep futures, and consider the long-term consequences of our actions.
The Dominance of the Present
- In the 21st century, the present often dominates our thoughts and priorities.
- This focus on the present can lead to harmful short-termism in business, politics, and media.
Short-termism
- Short-termism is driven by cultural and human biases, including the prioritization of short-term rewards over long-term benefits.
- Examples of short-termism include the marshmallow test, where children prioritize immediate gratification over delayed rewards.
Biases and Influences
- The 'present bias' and 'near-far' temporal bias contribute to our tendency to prioritize the present over the past and future.
- These biases are compounded by cultural influences, such as the near-term incentives of modern capitalism and the 24-hour media cycle.
Cultivating a Longer View
- Consciously cultivating a longer view can help banish harmful short-termism.
- Practicing mental time travel can lead to greater perspective, hope, and meaning.
- A longer view provides a deeper awareness of our place in the human story and the planet's, and reveals the importance of mindfulness and priorities.
Timefulness
- Geologist Marcia Bjornerud calls this perspective 'timefulness', which involves considering the long-term consequences of our actions.
- Timefulness is not escapism, but rather a way to reveal what truly matters in the present and prioritize what is important.
Mental Time Travel
- Humans have the ability to mentally time-travel, stepping outside the present to imagine the past and future.
- This ability is thought to have contributed to the success of the human species.
The Importance of Mental Time Travel
- Mental time travel allows us to conjure up rich scenes of the past, present, and future in our mind's eye.
- It enables us to picture past eras, imagine deep futures, and consider the long-term consequences of our actions.
The Dominance of the Present
- In the 21st century, the present often dominates our thoughts and priorities.
- This focus on the present can lead to harmful short-termism in business, politics, and media.
Short-termism
- Short-termism is driven by cultural and human biases, including the prioritization of short-term rewards over long-term benefits.
- Examples of short-termism include the marshmallow test, where children prioritize immediate gratification over delayed rewards.
Biases and Influences
- The 'present bias' and 'near-far' temporal bias contribute to our tendency to prioritize the present over the past and future.
- These biases are compounded by cultural influences, such as the near-term incentives of modern capitalism and the 24-hour media cycle.
Cultivating a Longer View
- Consciously cultivating a longer view can help banish harmful short-termism.
- Practicing mental time travel can lead to greater perspective, hope, and meaning.
- A longer view provides a deeper awareness of our place in the human story and the planet's, and reveals the importance of mindfulness and priorities.
Timefulness
- Geologist Marcia Bjornerud calls this perspective 'timefulness', which involves considering the long-term consequences of our actions.
- Timefulness is not escapism, but rather a way to reveal what truly matters in the present and prioritize what is important.
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Description
Explore the concept of mental time-travel, a cognitive ability that allows humans to imagine and relive past and future events. Discover how this trait contributed to our species' success.
