Saving Tomorrow, Today
May 2023
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Introduction
Dive into the thought-provoking world of MIT's Lily L. Tsai as she explores how today's society, obsessed with the now, often forgets about tomorrow. From Wales' Future Generations Commissioner to MIT's forward-thinking endowment, discover the innovative ways some are ensuring a brighter future for those yet to come. Tsai's insights challenge us to rethink our approach to resource distribution, urging a shift from consumption to conservation for the sake of our descendants. Ready to be part of the change?
READ FULL ARTICLEWhy It Matters
Discover how this topic shapes your world and future
Crafting Futures Beyond Our Time
Imagine living in a world where every decision you make today shapes the life of someone 100 years from now. Pretty impactful, right? This is the essence of governing for our descendants, a concept that's gaining traction among thinkers like Lily L. Tsai. It's about making choices that ensure the well-being of future generations, considering them in our social and economic policies. Why does this matter to you? Because it's about the kind of world you want to leave behind. It's not just about climate change; it's about creating a society that values the future as much as the present. This topic invites you to think big and understand how today's actions can be a gift or a burden to those who come after us. It's about being part of a legacy of care and foresight, making it a fascinating and vital area of exploration.
Speak like a Scholar
Distributive justice
The ethical principle that resources should be allocated in a fair and equitable manner among different groups.
Discount rate
A financial term used to determine the present value of future earnings or losses, essentially how much future values are worth today.
Endowment
Funds or property donated to institutions like universities, which are invested to generate income for continuous support.
Socioeconomic groups
Categories of people sharing similar levels of wealth, income, education, and occupational status.
Collective society
A social organization prioritizing the needs and goals of the group over individual desires.
Legacy
Something handed down from one generation to the next, including values, traditions, and physical assets.
Independent Research Ideas
The role of cultural practices in promoting conservation over consumption
Investigate how different cultures encourage behaviors that are either sustainable or wasteful, and what lessons can be learned to foster a global culture of conservation.
Future Generations Commissioner - a case study
Examine the impact of having a dedicated official, like Wales’ Future Generations Commissioner, on government policies and how this model could be adapted in other countries.
Psychological impact of living in a high-consumption society
Explore how being in a culture focused on consumption affects people's mental health and their views on sustainability and future planning.
Comparative study of endowment management
Analyze how different institutions manage their endowments with an eye toward the future, and what practices ensure long-term sustainability and benefit to future students.
Discount rates and environmental policy
Delve into how governments use discount rates in environmental policy-making, the implications for sustainability, and potential alternatives that could better account for the well-being of future generations.
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