Long Now

Join Ahmed Best, an award-winning artist and Afrofuturist scholar, and Lisa Kay Solomon, Futurist in Residence, as they discuss the vital role of feeling in shaping our future. Best shares insights from his career, emphasizing how emotion and storytelling can foster community. They explore vulnerability's importance in building connections, and challenging narratives to ignite change. Together, they envision a hopeful 2050 rooted in trust and collaboration, highlighting the power of shared experiences to create a thriving and inclusive future.

Benjamin Bratton, a Professor at UC San Diego and Director of the Antikythera think tank, dives into the fascinating realm of planetary computation. He connects ancient technologies like the Antikythera mechanism to modern challenges, emphasizing how our tech outpaces our understanding. Bratton discusses how artificial intelligence interacts with our ecological existence and the philosophical implications of our evolving cognitive landscape. He urges a shift in thinking about intelligence and collaboration as we navigate the complexities of the future.

Roman Krznaric is a social philosopher and author of "History for Tomorrow," while Kate Raworth is a renegade economist known for the "Doughnut Economics" framework. They dive into how history can guide us in creating regenerative economic systems. Discussing doughnut economics, they challenge traditional growth models and advocate for sustainable frameworks that respect social and planetary boundaries. They highlight innovative ownership structures and historical water management practices as pathways to resilience, emphasizing community engagement and long-term thinking.

Neal Stephenson, a visionary author known for his speculative fiction like Cryptonomicon, joins journalist Charles C. Mann to discuss his new book, Polostan. They explore the intriguing themes of historical storytelling set against the backdrop of the Atomic Age. The conversation delves into the creative journey of writing, future challenges like climate change, and the role of women in history. They also touch on humor in exploration narratives and reflect on the complexities of historical events, offering listeners a rich tapestry of insights and ideas.

Alicia Escott and Heidi Quante discuss their participatory artwork The Bureau of Linguistical Reality, creating new words for unexplored feelings amidst the climate crisis. They delve into crafting neologisms, exploring emotions like longing and fear, and empowering individuals to reshape language to address global issues.

Dr. Jonathan Cordero discusses how indigenous epistemologies challenge capitalism and colonialism, emphasizing the importance of indigeneity and sovereignty. Topics include decolonization, settler colonialism, and the inspiration behind the work of the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone. The podcast explores the significance of indigenous knowledge in reshaping societal structures, the influence on ecological restoration, and the importance of tribal governance in preserving indigenous spirituality.

Delve into the myths of capitalism and the need for new economic narratives to serve humanity. Explore the influence of ancient traditions on shaping global economies and societies. Challenge the objectivity of economics and unveil power dynamics at play. Trace the evolution of profit concepts and analyze the societal construction of markets. Examine the impact of private equity on wealth transfer and job creation, while advocating for long-term thinking to reshape economic narratives.

Jared Farmer, an expert in chronodiversity and the study of time through trees, reflects on our long-term relationships with old trees. Topics discussed include: the cultural significance of ancient trees, the impact of climate change on ancient forests, conflicting perspectives on eucalyptus trees in California, success stories of tree protection, preserving trees throughout history, and the emotional motivation behind tree planting.

This podcast explores the manipulation and revision of history in various countries, emphasizing the importance of aligning history textbooks with the facts. It delves into the challenges of reconciling liberty and equality, reinventing democracy, and the impact of government education on public perception. The speaker also highlights the importance of being present in our actions, understanding history through biographies, and building understanding through respectful dialogue.

The podcast discusses the complex aftermath of globalization and the challenges it poses. Topics include the interconnectedness of the world, climate change, economic inequality, supply chain vulnerabilities, and mass migration. The speaker explores the centralized nature of global communications and manufacturing networks, the dangers of the military industrial complex, and insights from cybernetics for redesigning bureaucracy. They also discuss the perception of large language models and the limits of globalization. The podcast ends on an optimistic note, highlighting moments of collaboration and urging listeners to find hope in potential crises.