Longpath: Becoming the Great Ancestors Our Future Needs - an Antidote for Short-Termism

Finally got around to reading this, and it’s exactly the antidote for the frantic energy of our modern world. Wallach captures the current historical moment perfectly, describing our chaotic 'Intertidal' state with both clarity and a strange sense of hope. The truth is, we have lost the ability to imagine a future that isn't a dystopian nightmare, and this book gives us permission to dream again. I particularly loved the concept of 'transgenerational empathy'—the idea that we owe a debt to the past while holding a responsibility for the future. It’s written in a way that is straightforward and deeply moving, especially when he discusses the Iroquois Confederacy’s long-term wisdom. This isn't just another business book; it’s a philosophical shift that every leader needs to undergo right now.

Picked this up during a particularly anxious week, and it truly helped recalibrate my perspective on what matters. Longpath isn't just about saving the planet; it’s about finding meaning in our own lives by seeing ourselves as part of a much longer human story. The way Wallach breaks down 'transgenerational empathy' makes the act of caring for the future feel like a personal spiritual practice rather than a chore. In my experience, most books about the future are either too technical or too depressing, but this one strikes a beautiful balance. The stories about his father add a raw, emotional depth that makes the academic theories feel lived-in and real. It’s a must-read for anyone who feels like they’re just treading water in the present moment.

Wow. Wallach has written a manifesto that feels both revolutionary and deeply intuitive. We are currently living through a seismic 'Intertidal' shift, and without a roadmap like Longpath, it's easy to get lost in the chaos of the present. I found the sections on the Iroquois Confederacy and the concept of 'examined, desired futures' to be incredibly enlightening. Not gonna lie, I was skeptical of the futurist label at first, but his approach is grounded in empathy and history rather than just tech predictions. The book is remarkably easy to read for such a complex subject, weaving personal narratives with broad historical trends. It’s a call to action that feels both urgent and patient, reminding us that we are the ancestors of tomorrow.

After hearing Ari Wallach speak, I was eager to see how his theories on the 'Intertidal' period would translate to a full-length book. He does a fantastic job of weaving together personal history with a broader societal lens, making complex foresight concepts feel surprisingly accessible to the average reader. To be fair, some sections feel a bit derivative of other mindfulness or futurism texts, yet the specific focus on transgenerational empathy is a refreshing addition. The 'workbook' style exercises tucked into the chapters actually help ground the high-level philosophy into daily actions. It’s not just a manifesto; it’s a practical guide for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of technological and social change. I finished it feeling significantly more intentional about the legacy I’m leaving for my grandchildren.

As someone who works in government planning, I see the damage of 'short-termism' every single day in our reactionary policies and sound-byte solutions. Wallach’s 'Longpath' offers a much-needed structural rethink, encouraging us to look beyond the immediate election cycle or fiscal year. I appreciated the workbook-style prompts that force you to consider the 'ripples in the pond' created by your current decisions. My only gripe is that the book occasionally meanders into personal anecdotes that feel a bit self-indulgent for a futurist manifesto. Despite that, the core message about becoming the great ancestors our future needs is powerful and timely. It’s a thought-provoking read that bridges the gap between individual mindfulness and global sustainability efforts quite effectively.

The chapter on Hogewey—the village for Alzheimer’s patients—was a standout moment that perfectly illustrated what 'intentional and inclusive thinking' looks like. This book succeeds because it doesn't just lecture you; it gives you the tools to actually start thinking differently about your own legacy. While the author does spend a lot of time on his own accomplishments, the practical value of the 'workbook' sections outweighs the occasional self-importance. I’ve been looking for a way to connect my daily habits to my larger values, and the Longpath mentality provides that bridge. It’s a straightforward read that manages to make 'becoming a great ancestor' feel like an achievable goal rather than a lofty dream. If you’re tired of the reactionary nature of the news cycle, this is definitely worth your time.

Ever wonder why we’re so obsessed with the next quarter’s profits instead of the next century’s survival? This book attempts to answer that, though it often feels like a longer version of the 10-10-10 framework popularized by Suzy Welch. While Wallach’s writing is engaging, I was disappointed that he didn't dive deeper into actual scenario planning or the 'unintended consequences' of virtuous decisions. The narrative is at its best when he shares stories about his father, adding a layer of emotional resonance that the more academic parts lack. Still, the mentions of his consulting work for huge corporations felt like unnecessary padding for his ego. It’s a decent introductory text for long-term thinking, but it lacks the intellectual rigor I expected from a Columbia professor. A quick read, but maybe not a life-changing one.

This book is a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. On one hand, the central thesis about replacing 'toxic short-termism' with a long-term mentality is absolutely crucial for our survival. On the other hand, the delivery feels a bit 'precious' and ivory-tower at times, lacking the grit needed for real-world application. Wallach mentions an inclusive study in a Caribbean country but then barely touches on it, which was a missed opportunity for actual data. I liked the focus on virtues and personal responsibility, but I worry it ignores the systemic barriers that keep most people trapped in short-term survival mode. It’s a pleasant read with some nice workbook activities, but it might be too idealistic for the very people who need it most.

Look, I really wanted to like this after seeing the TED talk, but Wallach's constant name-dropping felt incredibly out of touch. He spends pages detailing a 'marathon' trip to Trader Joe’s that involves two full carts, which is a bizarre anecdote when discussing global food insecurity. Frankly, the air of privilege throughout the book makes it hard to digest the noble message about becoming a 'good ancestor.' It’s a shame because the core concept of shifting away from short-termism is vital for our current era. However, the author’s tendency to center his own beachfront vacations and high-profile clients during a global pandemic left a sour taste. If you can ignore the elitism, there are some decent frameworks here, but I found myself rolling my eyes more than I was learning. It feels less like a guide for humanity and more like a memoir for the Silicon Valley elite.

Not what I expected based on the glowing blurbs on the back cover. I found the writing to be quite repetitive and, in several chapters, downright bland compared to his more energetic TED presentation. The core ideas are definitely important, but they feel stretched thin across these pages to make a full book out of a 15-minute talk. Personally, I found the constant name-dropping of 'elite' clients and his beachfront summer 2020 retreat to be incredibly alienating. It’s hard to take a lecture on food insecurity seriously when it’s followed by a two-page story about an argument over a Trader Joe’s grocery haul. There are better books out there on deep time and future-thinking that don’t come with this much baggage. It felt more like a branding exercise than a groundbreaking philosophy.