Many of the problems that exist in out society are the result of taking
a short term view of time.
I agree with Eno that we need to take a longer view. I think that the
Western particularly Californian fascination with simulation is one
manifestation of taking a too short term view. Cosmetic surgery leeds to
later health problems (breast implants), long periods spent watching
television lead to social and communication problems in children.
Electing professional simulators as political leaders may lead to
problems when their lack of expertise is exposed. Corporations ignoring
the long term cost of damaging the environment go for the short term
profit. Enron And many more. I think that we could learn a lot if we
better understood the environmental reasons that led to our evolution as
a thinking and speaking species.
Brian Eno's sister in Law Charmian Norman Taylor worked at Art Center in
Switzerland and was discussing the management of the long Now foundation
with Brian at that time.
There was Brian's storey about planting Oaks at an English University
perhaps it was Oxford in the 1500s when a building was constructed and
cutting them recently to reroof the building.
Too much design is a solution now but a problem tomorrow.
______________________________
R o b C u r e d a l e
Professor, Chair Product Design
College for Creative Studies Detroit
201 East Kirby
Detroit MI 48202-4034
Phone: 313 664 7625
Fax: 313 664 7620
email: [log in to unmask]
http://www.ccscad.edu
______________________________
>>> Cameron Tonkinwise <[log in to unmask]> 09/22/04 4:57 AM
>>>
The idea of 'deep' or 'geological time' is hardly new, but arguing that
a 10,000 year view of history is beneficial is simply fatuous.
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