MENTAL MODEL · M1944

The Long Now

CultureHigh supportHistory

Included

Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Countering the short-termism of "more satisfying to me now." Advocates a time perspective measured in tens of thousands of years (e.g., building a 10,000-year clock). On this scale, we are in the middle of history, not at its end.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Mental stretching: Don't just look at the next quarter; try thinking: Will your work still matter in 200 years? This can help you filter out 99% of busywork.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

A time perspective advocated by the Long Now Foundation, which encourages thinking on the scale of centuries or millennia, countering short-termism by placing current decisions into an extremely long feedback loop for evaluation.

MINIMUM ACTION

In progress 0/4

Practice this model in one real situation:

When making decisions, extend your time horizon to several generations ahead
ask "How will this be viewed in 10,000 years?"
establish mechanisms for long-term projects (e.g., the 10,000-year clock)
resist quarterly short-sightedness.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

Learning progress0%

account_treeGenealogyexpand_more

menu_bookReferencesexpand_more

Source support: Explicit

link
en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Long_NowZH · Explicit
verified

RELATED MODELS