The Westenberg Podcast

The Power of Long-Term Thinking
In this episode, I explore the concept of long-term thinking and its profound impact on civilization. I challenge viewers with hypothetical bets to illustrate how modern society often prioritizes short-term gains over exponential long-term benefits. Highlighting examples from the Catholic Church to the Dutch flood control systems, I discuss how some organizations successfully think centuries ahead. I propose the creation of a '100 Year Lab' where decisions are made with the future in mind, aimed at benefiting generations to come.
00:00 The Bet: $1 Billion vs. Manhattan Real Estate
00:15 The Penny vs. The Million: A Lesson in Compounding
00:24 Modern Society's Short-Term Thinking
00:35 The 10,000 Year Clock: A Symbol of Long-Term Vision
00:57 Human Blind Spots in Long-Term Planning
01:33 Examples of Long-Term Thinking
02:06 The Power of Long-Term Decisions
02:31 Imagining a Long-Term Future
02:55 Survivorship Bias and Building for Permanence
03:38 A Modest Proposal: The 100 Year Lab

What is The Westenberg Podcast?

The Westenberg Podcast offers ideas, explainers, book notes, and reflections on technology, philosophy, and the human experience. Hosted by Joan Westenberg, each 3-5 minute episode unpacks complex topics with clarity and depth, blending personal insights with thought-provoking analysis. It’s a space for exploring big questions and fresh perspectives in an accessible format.