Long Impact

Long Now Toronto gathering for Q1 02018. One of the reasons that I love the Long Now is the focus on not just the far future, but what that means for the present. It isn't the Long Future, it's the Long NOW. We are determining the future now, in the actions that we take and the decisions that we make. Part of being a good ancestor is thinking about how the things you do impact the future.

So, let's talk about Long Impact. What will be the consequences of what you're doing now in 10,000 years? Are you making a difference that will last? How can we even tell? 10,000 years ago is before recorded history; 10,000 years from now is clearly a post-human timeframe. What kinds of questions do we have to ask in order to determine impact, or potential impact, on those kinds of time scales? The picture above is the Long Now pace layers (http://thepoliticalinformer.com/pace-layers-and-social-change/) diagram, which shows the speed of change of various realms. Can big impacts come only from the slower layers? What really matters?

More personally, can we benefit from asking such Long Questions in our personal lives? How do you trade off long-term thinking with shorter-term realities? How can you be more sure that you're working on something that matters? Is there a better-feeling way to deal with that radical uncertainty and doubt? Are there any people, books, or other resources that are helpful as guides and models for doing this?

I (Eric, your local organizer) will personally give a ten minute introduction with some of my own thoughts ("heroic impact", "Eric 3.0 project", "dataism"). I invite anyone else who is willing to also give brief talks (no slides) - please approach me at the beginning of the meetup (or message below) and I'll put you on the agenda. Brief Q&A after each talk. Then we'll have a wide-ranging round-table discussion about impact, long impact, the long now, all the questions above, etc.

All are welcome! We value inclusion and diversity, so if you're interested in this topic, no matter what your background or current situation(s), you are exactly the kind of person who should come! We also understand that this impact stuff is personal, and often even speaking about it violates some minor taboos (or feels like a "serious talk" and is thus dreaded) - if you are not comfortable speaking, that's OK too, please come anyway, you can participate at whatever level makes you good. We will make efforts to include everybody, but we'll also respect silence as meaning you are listening keenly. We believe that everybody is capable of having a lasting impact, and that includes you. Come and learn with us.