Applying Roman Krznaric's framework for long-term thinking to our education system.
Children with a co-learner at KEY academy
“By embracing the principles of deep time humility, legacy mindset, intergenerational justice, cathedral thinking, holistic forecasting, and transcendent goals, we can ensure that our efforts today will leave a positive impact on future generations.”
Raya Bidshahri, Founder and CEO of School of Humanity
How can we think long-term in a short-term world?
Such is the question posed by the book “The Good Ancestor” by Roman Krznaric. In a world driven by instant gratification and short-term gains, this book urges us to expand our time horizons.
Krznaric explores the importance of long-term thinking, encouraging us to make choices that benefit not only the present but also future generations. Through historical insights, scientific research, and case studies, he inspires readers to prioritise sustainability and foresight.
While reading the book, I couldn’t help but reflect on the impact of this perspective on how we design our education systems. Throughout my experience working with both private and public education providers, I have witnessed consistent “short-termism.”
Our obsession with this year’s exam results hinders our willingness to innovate in the long term. Concerns about cash flow and return on investment hinder our willingness to invest in new models of schooling. Our focus on immediate metrics and quick wins often overshadows the need for a visionary approach that prepares learners for a radically different world.
This short-termism is particularly concerning given that real, meaningful impact and change in education take time. We often don’t see the impact of radically different curricula for years, making it challenging to justify immediate investments and changes. The long-term nature of educational outcomes means that reforms and innovations may not bear fruit within the typical political or fiscal cycles, causing reluctance among policymakers and administrators to adopt new approaches.
6 ways to think long term, according to Krznaric Krznaric provides a helpful framework, framed under “The tug of war for time.” It allows us to identify the drivers of short-termism and the antidote for each. For me, each of these concepts addresses specific challenges inherent in our traditional approach to education, guiding us toward a more sustainable and forward-thinking model. Deep-time Humility Roman Krznaric emphasises the importance of deep time humility, which involves recognizing our place within the vast timeline of the universe and understanding the long-term impact of our actions. In the context of education, this means designing curricula and policies that consider the needs of future generations, not just the immediate demands of the present. By cultivating an awareness of history and the long arc of human progress, we can instil in learners a sense of responsibility toward the future. Adopting this approach also means encouraging learners to think beyond their lifetimes, considering the long-term consequences of their actions on the planet. Legacy Mindset A legacy mindset involves thinking about the lasting impact we leave behind for future generations. Krznaric advocates for this perspective to ensure that our actions today contribute positively to the world of tomorrow. In education, adopting a legacy mindset means creating systems and practices that have enduring value. This could involve developing curricula that emphasise critical thinking, creativity, and ethical decision-making, skills that will remain relevant as the world evolves. Educators can inspire learners to consider their legacies, encouraging them to engage in projects and initiatives that have a long-term positive impact. Intergenerational Justice Intergenerational justice is the concept of fairness between generations, ensuring that the needs and rights of future generations are considered in our decisions today. Krznaric highlights this principle as essential for long-term thinking. In 2015, the Welsh government passed a groundbreaking intergenerational law to address the well-being of future generations. The Act obliges forty-four public bodies across Wales (including the Welsh Government itself) to take “greater account of the long-term impact” of decisions they make. In education, this means advocating for policies and practices that do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This involves incorporating sustainability education and teaching learners about environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic justice. It also means equipping our core curriculum with the critical skills and knowledge most needed for the world of tomorrow (and moving beyond industrial-era models). Cathedral Thinking Cathedral thinking involves planning and working on projects that require long-term vision and commitment, similar to how mediaeval cathedrals were built over several generations. Krznaric uses this metaphor to encourage long-term projects that outlast the immediate present. In the education system, cathedral thinking can be applied by investing in long-term alternative models of education that can serve us in an exponentially changing world. This might include innovative approaches such as experiential learning, interdisciplinary studies, and flexible learning environments that adapt to the evolving needs of society. At School of Humanity, we recognize that our mission is intergenerational. By adopting cathedral thinking, we are committed to creating a world-renowned education system that transcends borders, enables human flourishing, and drives progress toward a sustainable future. Holistic Forecasting Holistic forecasting is about looking at the bigger picture and considering a range of factors when planning for the future. Krznaric argues that this approach helps in making informed and sustainable decisions. In education, holistic forecasting means anticipating future societal, technological, and environmental trends and preparing learners accordingly. This could involve integrating future studies into the curriculum, where learners learn to analyse trends, think critically about potential futures, and develop strategic plans for our species. Transcendent Goal A transcendent goal is a purpose that goes beyond individual or immediate concerns, focusing on broader, more enduring objectives. Krznaric emphasises the importance of having goals that uplift and unify people across generations. For schools, this means setting educational goals that aim to improve humanity as a whole. It necessitates taking a step back to ask ourselves what the mission and goal of education is. For my team and I, it is to empower the next generation to create an exciting future for humanity and the planet as a whole. By aligning education with such a transcendent goal, we motivate learners to contribute to a better world, nurturing in them a connection to something greater than themselves. Are we being good ancestors? "The Good Ancestor" reminds us of our responsibility to future generations and the legacy we leave behind. This couldn’t be more relevant for us as educators, and education providers. I encourage all school leaders, investors, education providers, and educators to reflect on this question: are we truly shaping our curriculum and model as good ancestors? Are we leaving a system that will do justice to children in the year 2100 and beyond? By embracing the principles of deep time humility, legacy mindset, intergenerational justice, cathedral thinking, holistic forecasting, and transcendent goals, we can ensure that our efforts today will leave a positive impact on future generations. Raya Bidshahri is the Founder and CEO of School Of Humanity, an organisation dedicated to empowering learners and reinventing education. Original article published here: https://reinventingeducation.substack.com/p/the-good-ancestor-approach-transforming?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true KEY reflections At KEY academy, we resonate with the idea of long-term thinking and creating lasting impact through education. We believe that by equipping our learners with the skills and mindset to solve real-world problems, we are not just preparing them for today, but also for the future they will shape. Our project-based learning approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, ensuring that each of our learners will leave a legacy of positive change. As we guide our learners, we are reminded that the decisions we make today - how we nurture their growth and inspire them to act with purpose - will influence the generations to come. Our goal is to raise future leaders who will become “good ancestors”, contributing to a better, more sustainable world!
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