Ari Wallach: Create Your Ideal Future Using Science-Based Protocols

Ari Wallach 0s

• Andrew Huberman is a professor of neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine, and he hosts the Huberman Lab podcast where he discusses science and science-based tools for everyday life 8s.
• Ari Wallach is an adjunct associate professor at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs and the host of a new TV series, "A Brief History of the Future" 23s.
• The discussion focuses on preparing the planet for the future, not just for children, but for all people, and how the human brain can orient its thoughts and memories to the past, present, or future 37s.
• Few people take the time to think about the future they are creating on the planet, in culture, within their families, and for the next generation and generations that follow 55s.
• Ari Wallach is an expert in long-term thinking and has centered his work around "Long Path Labs," which focuses on long-term thinking and coordinated behavior at the individual, organizational, and societal level 1m8s.
• The goal of Long Path Labs is to ensure the thriving of the human species through specific actions and logic, which is both aspirational and grounded 1m21s.
• The discussion aims to provide a unique perspective on how the brain works, how to frame time perception, and how to frame one's entire life in a way that is positively building toward the future 1m51s.
• By the end of the discussion, listeners will have a better understanding of how to create a positive future and legacy for themselves, their families, and society at large 1m49s.

Sponsors: David, Helix Sleep & ROKA 1m58s

• This podcast is separate from teaching and research roles at Stanford, and its purpose is to bring zero-cost information about science and science-related tools to the general public 1m58s.
• David is a sponsor of the podcast, and they make a protein bar with 28 grams of protein, 150 calories, and 0 grams of sugar, which is 50% higher in protein than the next closest protein bar 2m15s.
• The protein bars from David come in various flavors, including cake, chocolate, and berry, and they have a cookie-like consistency that is unlike other bars 2m34s.
• The bars are a convenient way to get high-quality protein when in a rush or away from home, and they can help meet daily protein goals without excess calories 2m53s.
• Helix Sleep is another sponsor of the podcast, and they make customized mattresses and pillows that cater to individual sleep needs 3m36s.
• A great night's sleep is essential for mental health, physical health, and performance, and a mattress that is too soft or too hard can negatively impact sleep quality 3m45s.
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• The host has been sleeping on a Helix mattress for over four years and has experienced phenomenal sleep quality, and Helix is currently offering up to 25% off all mattress orders 4m25s.
• Roka is also a sponsor of the podcast, and they make high-quality eyeglasses and sunglasses designed with the biology of the visual system in mind 4m52s.
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Mental Time Travel; Technology & Present 6m13s

• The human brain is capable of thinking about the past, present, or future, and this ability is used to set and reach goals through a neurochemical process involving dopamine, with the brain operating on short time frame reward schedules in today's world 6m34s.
• The brain's ability to think about the past, present, and future is crucial for creating a better future, but many people struggle with anxiety, health, and illness, making it challenging to focus on the future 7m54s.
• Humans have the unique ability of mental time travel, which allows them to project themselves into the future and think about different possible outcomes and scenarios, a concept introduced by Marty Seligman in his book "Homo Prospectus" 8m35s.
• Mental time travel involves the hippocampus, a part of the brain that takes snapshots of episodic memories from the past, reassembles them, and allows humans to mentally time travel and figure out different future scenarios 9m34s.
• The ability to project out into desired futures is a key aspect of human dominance on the planet, and it involves language, social interaction, and collaboration to make desired outcomes manifest 9m27s.
• To navigate the conundrum of caring about the future while dealing with present-day challenges, it is essential to understand how to use mental time travel effectively and place one's mental frame in a way that allows for goal-setting and achievement 8m15s.
• The human species, Homo sapiens, originated around 200,000 years ago, and 150,000 years ago, humans started spreading out of the rift valley into Africa, forming small tribal structures 10m18s.
• As humans began hunting larger game, they developed mental time travel to think about different scenarios, which was driven by the desire for more protein to feed the energy-intensive human brain 10m43s.
• The hippocampus played a key role in mental time travel by combining different memories of past hunting experiences to create scenarios 11m0s.
• Fast-forwarding to the present, humans have developed a cultural substrate that has "hacked" into the older part of the brain, making people want immediate gratification and react impulsively 11m49s.
• This has led to a phenomenon called presentism, where people focus on the immediate present and have difficulty thinking about the long-term future 12m0s.
• Presentism is different from the Buddhist concept of being present, and it's characterized by a lack of consideration for the past or future 12m11s.
• In the past, humans would think about the long-term future, such as planning for winter or moving to warmer climates, but this ability has been lost in modern times 12m30s.
• The concept of presentism is distinct from the idea of being mindful, which was encouraged in the 1990s and 2000s, and is more about being aware of the present moment 13m6s.
• The notion of "future tripping" was also prevalent in the past, where people would worry excessively about the future, but now the horizon of cognition has shifted to focus on the immediate present 13m28s.
• The constant stimulus and response of modern life have created a "Hall of Mirrors" effect, making it difficult for people to think about the long-term future 13m43s.
• The human brain is capable of focusing on the past, present, or future, or a combination of these, and finding a balance between these aspects is crucial 14m3s.
• The current architecture of technologies and human interactions has become closely interwoven, causing individuals to become locked in the present and focused on stimulus response 14m9s.
• Dr. James Hollis, an 84-year-old Jungian psychoanalyst, suggests that taking 5 to 10 minutes each day to exit stimulus response mode by closing one's eyes and looking inward can help individuals understand their greater wishes and link their current thinking and behavior to the future and the past 14m38s.
• This process of introspection is a reflection of the unconscious mind, allowing individuals to link concepts in a more coherent way 15m2s.
• The constant influx of notifications and living in a state of stimulus response can be overwhelming, and it is essential to consider the direction this is taking individuals, families, communities, and the species as a whole 15m15s.
• Focusing solely on managing day-to-day tasks may not be the most effective way to live life, and it is crucial to find a balance between managing the present and considering the future 15m40s.

Technology; Tools: Transgenerational Empathy; Bettering Today 15m46s

• Futurists often think more about the future than the present, which can lead to anxiety, but it's essential to balance this with dealing with the present moment 15m46s.
• Transgenerational empathy is a concept that starts with empathy and compassion for oneself, then extends to those who came before, and ultimately to future generations 16m7s.
• Empathy for oneself is similar to self-compassion, recognizing that one is doing the best they can with what they have, and not holding themselves to an idealized standard of perfection 16m38s.
• Surrounding oneself with images and quotes of how to live a perfect life can lead to feelings of inadequacy and rumination, but it's essential to acknowledge that one can only handle what they can at a given time 16m46s.
• The concept of empathy for oneself is crucial because it allows individuals to recognize that who they were in the past is different from who they are today, and that they have learned and grown 18m13s.
• Transgenerational empathy must start with empathy for oneself, as it is challenging to extend empathy to others, including those in the past and future, without first having it for oneself 18m34s.
• The goal of cultivating transgenerational empathy is to spread it out into the future, ultimately allowing individuals to have compassion and understanding for future generations 19m12s.
• The concept of focusing on the present moment is crucial, as illustrated by the phrase "you can't have your 20th birthday until you're 19," which emphasizes that one must go through each stage of life before reaching the next 19m45s.
• This idea is often forgotten due to the emphasis on external validation and trying to be like others, leading to a distraction from one's own growth and development 20m15s.
• Social media platforms like Instagram often feature inspirational accounts with short-lived posts, but some of these posts can be thought-provoking and offer valuable insights 20m34s.
• One such account discussed the challenges of the human mind and its tendency to jump between past, present, and future, but ultimately concluded that personal growth comes down to taking one actionable step per day 21m9s.
• This idea is centered around the question "what can I do today to make my day better," which focuses on making the most of each 24-hour circadian cycle rather than comparing oneself to past performances 21m18s.
• This approach emphasizes the importance of taking action in the present moment and recognizing that each day is a unique unit with its own opportunities for growth and improvement 21m45s.
• The concept of focusing on daily actions and progress is more effective than comparing oneself to past achievements, as it acknowledges that each day is distinct and offers a fresh start 21m52s.
• The idea of taking one actionable step per day is a simple yet powerful way to cultivate personal growth and make a positive impact on oneself and others 21m58s.

Tool: Empathy for Others 22m0s

• Empathy for others starts with understanding that people are doing the best they can with what they have, and it involves striving to connect with their feelings 22m0s.
• The traditional definition of empathy is feeling what others feel, but it's more than just intellectual understanding - it's about being able to feel their emotions and bring resolution if they're feeling bad 22m16s.
• This type of empathy is made possible by mirror neurons, which allow us to connect with others and feel their emotions, and it's a genetic adaptive fitness that helps the tribe work together and thrive 22m43s.
• When feeling empathy for others, their state of being can be as important as one's own state of being, and it can be taxing, but self-compassion can help 22m59s.
• One of the great errors of modern civilization is disconnection - from ourselves, from each other, and from nature - and anything that can help further connection will benefit us 23m27s.
• To achieve empathy and connection, two requirements are necessary: presence and the ability to leave pressures behind 23m45s.
• Presence means being fully engaged with the person or experience, without a wandering mind, and it's necessary to appreciate the details of the experience 23m51s.
• Leaving pressures behind means suppressing thoughts about other things and being able to return to self-attention in order to be functional 24m23s.
• The challenge is that with many pressures upon us every day, it's getting harder to be present and empathic, but on the other hand, things are better than they were 50 years ago in terms of health outcomes and other areas 25m25s.
• Despite the challenges, it's essential to recognize that people were suffering elsewhere, even if it wasn't visible, and that there is still room for improvement 26m4s.

Empathy for Future Generations, Emotion & Logic 26m9s

• Human beings are better off in terms of health and longevity than they were 50 years ago, with significant progress in various markers such as happiness, infant mortality, education, and access to calories 26m46s.
• Despite this progress, people often miss the fact that they are better off due to the overwhelming amount of incoming information, particularly negative news, which can create a negativity bias 26m25s.
• The current time is the best to be alive as a human being, with access to better healthcare, sanitation, and knowledge, such as germ theory, which has significantly improved health outcomes 27m2s.
• The world is at an inflection point, where the decisions made today on major issues like climate change, artificial intelligence, and synthetic biology will dictate the course of human history for centuries to come 27m53s.
• Humans have a natural negativity bias, which is a leftover from their evolutionary past, where focusing on negative things was necessary for survival 28m24s.
• This negativity bias is still present today, influencing the type of information people consume and the way media companies operate, with a focus on negative stories that attract more attention 28m41s.
• There is a desire for positive and informative content that can help people learn and improve themselves, but it must compete with the prevailing negativity bias 28m56s.
• The human brain has two conflicting parts: the prefrontal cortex, which is capable of rational thought and innovation, and the more primal parts that operate below the surface, driven by emotions and instincts 29m17s.
• Jonathan Haidt's concept of the "elephant and the rider" is relevant here, highlighting the tension between the rational and emotional parts of the human brain 29m25s.
• The human past is marked by dark moments, and to move forward and become the great ancestors the future needs, it's essential to find a way to tap into both the emotional and rational aspects of human behavior 29m51s.
• The emotional system, also known as the lyic system, doesn't care about time or relevance and only elicits feelings, which can be connected to neural circuits and high-level concepts 30m25s.
• To have an empathic connection with future generations, it's crucial to make the connection emotional, not just cognitive or intellectual, by considering how we want them to feel in the future 30m48s.
• When people are asked about their desired future for their great-grandkids, they often provide externalized bullet points, but when asked how they want them to feel, it's a different and more meaningful response 31m6s.
• The somatic marker hypothesis theory, inspired by Damasio, suggests that to make something happen, it's not just about visualizing it, but also about connecting it to the emotional amygdala sense, which can drive actions and behavior change 31m22s.
• This concept is understood by marketing professionals, such as those on Madison Avenue, but not as widely recognized by the general public 31m44s.
• Dr. Paul Ekman, a psychiatrist, has discussed the importance of the emotional system and its role in human behavior 30m18s.
• Yaacov Trope, a researcher at NYU, has taught about the significance of considering how people want others to feel in the future, rather than just focusing on external outcomes 31m15s.

Tool: Emotion to Guide Action 31m48s

• Martha Beck's practice involves recalling a past time when one felt empowered, curious, or amused, and using that emotional state to guide potential action steps, as emotions are linked to a range of action possibilities 32m31s.
• This approach is based on the idea that emotions are connected to a "magic library" of action steps, where different emotional states are associated with different possibilities for action 33m6s.
• The goal is not to think about future emotional states, but to actually feel them, using them as an anchor to guide behavior and decision-making 33m49s.
• Emotions can serve as a "CED anchor" that pulls us towards desired futures, altering our behaviors and driving us towards our goals 34m15s.
• Intellectualizing about the future is not enough; we need to connect with the emotional state we want to be in to drive action and make better decisions 34m50s.
• According to Marty Seligman, emotions are not just a response to past experiences, but are meant to help us make better decisions for the future 34m57s.
• Emotions can serve as a guide for future action, helping us avoid past mistakes and make pro-social choices, such as feeling awe, empathy, and compassion 36m24s.
• Connecting with emotions can help us create a better future for ourselves and future generations, making us more likely to see our desired outcomes happen 36m37s.
• Research has shown that emotions and physical pain share some of the same neural circuits, highlighting the importance of emotions in guiding our actions and decisions 36m15s.
• A study found that people who took acetaminophen after a breakup felt better, suggesting that emotions are closely tied to physical sensations and can be influenced by physical interventions 36m5s.

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Tools: Perfect Day Exercise; Cathedral Thinking, Awe & Future Generations 38m2s

• Emotions don't know the clock or the calendar, which can be both beneficial and problematic, depending on the situation, as stress can make us better thinkers and movers in the short term but problematic in the long term 38m10s.
• Emotions can serve as a "CJ anchor" to pull us forward, leveraging the fact that emotions don't know about the clock or the calendar, and the order of operations seems to be emotions first, then action steps, and finally a future state 38m51s.
• A useful exercise for creating a desired future is the "perfect day exercise," which involves imagining a perfect day with no rules or limitations, experiencing the sensations in the body and mind, and then writing down the details that emerge from the exercise 40m0s.
• The "perfect day exercise" can help identify desires and goals that may not have been previously realized, and these can be used to create a desired future, as seen in the work of Martha Beck 40m25s.
• The core philosophy behind creating a desired future is based on a story about a man planting a carab tree, which takes a long time to bear fruit, illustrating the importance of planning and working towards a future that may not be for oneself but for others 41m25s.
• This philosophy emphasizes the value of creating a future that may not be directly experienced by the person creating it, but will benefit others, such as future generations 41m21s.
• A story is shared about an old man planting a carob tree, despite knowing he won't be around to enjoy its shade, illustrating how societies move forward by making sacrifices for future generations 41m51s.
• This concept is referred to as "Cathedral thinking," where individuals work on projects that may take a long time to complete, and they may not be alive to see the finished result 42m27s.
• The idea of Cathedral thinking is compared to the construction of great buildings, such as the Panama Canal, and the building of cathedrals and mosques, which took a long time to complete and required the efforts of multiple generations 42m21s.
• The original architects and stonemasons who started building these structures often did not live to see their completion, but their work allowed future generations to enjoy the fruits of their labor 42m41s.
• The concept of Cathedral thinking is advocated for, as it encourages people to take actions that will benefit future generations, even if they may not be around to see the results 43m32s.
• The goal is to create a sense of awe and wonder in future generations, similar to the feeling experienced when visiting great architectural achievements, such as the Blue Mosque 43m10s.
• By adopting Cathedral thinking, individuals can make a positive impact on the world, ensuring that future generations will flourish and have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of their actions 43m46s.

Egoic Legacy, Modeling Behavior 43m52s

• The Blue Mosque and the Sydney Opera House are examples of iconic buildings, but their architects are often not well-known, highlighting the idea of giving up the need for attribution and credit. 43m54s
• In science, people care about credit while they're alive, but most discoveries are not associated with their creators 20 years later, with rare exceptions like Einstein. 44m35s
• The business model of academic science is based on short-term contingencies, where scientists get credit in the short run, but not in the long run. 44m43s
• People are trained to work on short-term reward schedules, where achieving something results in credit, such as getting an A or a trophy, but this mindset needs to be changed to focus on long-term legacies. 45m28s
• Understanding that one's name may not be huge on the side of a building or that it may change over time can help people let go of their need for credit and focus on building a larger legacy. 45m55s
• Buildings at universities often have names on them because people gave money to have their name immortalized, but these names can change over time, highlighting the impermanence of egoic legacies. 46m7s
• The goal is to get people working on short-term contingencies for a future that is better for the next generation, while letting go of their need for credit and focusing on a larger legacy. 46m57s
• The concept of egoic legacy is relevant, where people want to leave a lasting legacy, but this can be problematic if it's based on a need for credit and recognition rather than a genuine desire to make a positive impact. 47m9s
• The concept of legacy is important, and an example of this is Sproul Plaza, which may not retain its name in 250 years, but the idea of free speech it represents will live on 47m29s.
• For individuals who are not "Titans of Industry" and cannot afford to put their name on a building, there are other ways to leave a lasting legacy 48m18s.
• Having children and passing on behaviors and values to them is a way to impact the future, as these behaviors can become "memes" that are handed down to future generations 50m12s.
• The idea of memes, as proposed by Susan Blackmore, refers to cultural units that are transmitted from one person to another, and can be used to explain how behaviors and values are passed down 50m20s.
• To impact the future, individuals can take actions such as reducing their carbon footprint, giving money, and voting, but ultimately, it is the behaviors and values that are modeled and passed on to others that will have the greatest impact 50m35s.
• The way individuals interact with each other, including in relationships and in their daily lives, will also have an impact on the future, as these interactions can shape the behaviors and values of those around them 50m49s.
• The goal of a futurist is not to predict the future, but to help individuals make better decisions today that will lead to better futures in the near-term, medium-term, and far-off tomorrows 49m31s.
• The number of descendants an individual has can be significant, with one person potentially having 50,000 descendants in 250 years, and the behaviors and values passed on to these descendants can have a lasting impact 48m43s.
• Philanthropy, including donating money to universities and other organizations, is important and can have a significant impact on the future, but it is not the only way to leave a lasting legacy 49m3s.
• A person's behavior and interactions with others, such as with a Barista or their partner, can significantly impact their future in a greater way than traditionally thought about having a legacy 50m57s.

Social Media, Time Capsule, Storytelling 51m13s

• The human species is generally benevolent, with most people behaving well when raised in a low-trauma environment with adequate resources, but there are exceptions such as sociopaths with disrupted neural circuitry 51m24s.
• Trauma and challenges can rewire behavior and the brain, leading to what is perceived as evil, but most people are inherently good and model behavior, with etiquette being a crucial aspect of human interaction 52m9s.
• Etiquette has decreased over time, with an increase in rules and regulations, and a decrease in spontaneous or genuine etiquette, where people are kind without fear of consequences 53m2s.
• The concept of etiquette has been influenced by the evolution of media, from game shows to reality TV and now social media, which can be seen as a reality TV show where people can opt-in and cast themselves 53m48s.
• Social media platforms often reward hyperbolic or outlandish behavior, making it harder for people to create a popular channel by just being nice, but there are pockets of platforms that reward benevolent behavior 54m17s.
• The idea of a social media platform that rewards good etiquette and benevolent behavior is an opportunity to reach people across continents and time, and to model good behavior 54m49s.
• The concept of social media having a short "halflife" is discussed, with even the most viral posts typically lasting around six months to a year, with a few exceptions like certain memes that persist longer 54m59s.
• The idea of a "time capsule" version of social media is proposed, where content can last and be relevant for years to come, similar to literature, music, poetry, and visual arts 55m28s.
• A few YouTube videos are mentioned as examples of content that can stand the test of time, including Steve Jobs' commencement speech at Stanford, Randy Pausch's last lecture, and Brené Brown's TED Talk on vulnerability 55m36s.
• The history of social media and its impact on how we consume and interact with content is discussed, with the current state of social media being compared to a fleeting moment in time 56m19s.
• The concept of storytelling is introduced as a fundamental aspect of human communication, with social media being a platform for people to tell their stories and share their experiences 57m5s.
• The idea of "Horticultural time" versus "mechanical time" is discussed, with the former referring to a more natural and cyclical way of thinking about time, and the latter referring to a more linear and clock-based way of thinking 57m41s.
• The development of mechanical clocks and the Industrial Revolution is mentioned as a turning point in how humans think about time, with the introduction of minutes and seconds as units of measurement 57m57s.
• The concept of the future as a distinct and separate entity is discussed, with the idea of the future being a relatively new concept that has developed over the past few hundred years 58m31s.
• Historically, social structures and behaviors were often passed down through generations, with little evolution, as children would often do exactly what their parents did. 58m42s
• The number one predictor of whether someone will read the newspaper is if their parents read the newspaper, illustrating the concept of modeling behavior. 58m58s
• When examining social media, it's essential to look at it from an outside perspective, understanding why people engage in certain behaviors and how they came about, to potentially learn from it and change direction. 59m18s
• All storytelling is a form of cultural transmission, allowing the sharing of memes, ideas, and ways of being to help the species flourish and move forward. 59m29s
• Social media can be seen as a reflection of current culture, a "Hall of Mirrors" that showcases the values and behaviors of the present time. 59m49s
• In the future, people may look back at current social media posts and metrics, such as likes, and wonder what happened to the species, highlighting the importance of evaluating the impact of social media on human behavior. 59m53s

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Short-Term Thinking; Life Purpose, Science & Religion 1h1m18s

• The fundamental knowledge about the biology of the human body is a core truth that remains consistent over time, despite technological advancements and modifications through medicine, providing a sense of peace and stability 1h1m20s.
• Protocols related to viewing sunlight, circadian rhythmicity, and other biological aspects have been essential to human well-being for 100,000 years and will likely remain so in the future 1h1m50s.
• There is concern about technologies, such as social media, that shorten the time scale of motivation and reward, promoting short-term thinking and instant gratification 1h2m9s.
• Social media can be compared to a casino, with algorithms designed to keep users engaged through intermittent rewards, likes, and responses, which can lead to addiction and a shortened temporal window 1h3m16s.
• The comparison of social media to a casino is apt, as it harbors various "games" that cater to individual preferences, making it challenging to resist the allure of instant gratification 1h3m41s.
• The possibility of winning or achieving a desired outcome on social media can be destructive, much like gambling addiction, as it creates a false sense of hope that the next time could change everything 1h4m3s.
• To break free from the casino-like mindset of social media, it is essential to recognize that the stories and information presented on these platforms are likely meaningless to one's future and to focus on longer-term investments and goals 1h4m36s.
• Being informed is crucial, but it is equally important to know when to disengage from social media and focus on more meaningful and future-oriented pursuits 1h4m48s.
• Debates often lack new information and can lead to getting caught up in arguing about the debate itself, making it challenging to think about long-term goals and the future 1h4m54s.
• To disengage from a short-term contingency reward mindset and behaviors, one must first take care of fundamental health and well-being needs, such as tending to children, health, sleep, and other essential aspects 1h5m56s.
• After addressing these basic needs, one can explore alternative activities to focus on long-term thinking, such as writing a book, painting, or other creative pursuits 1h5m45s.
• The question of the purpose of human existence is a fundamental conundrum, as traditional answers provided by religion have been challenged by rationality, logic, and the scientific method 1h7m12s.
• The scientific method did not kill the concept of God but rather destroyed the structures that intermediated between humans and God, such as the church, and the stories that religion told about human purpose 1h8m1s.
• The idea that science destroyed God and religion is a misconception, as science primarily challenged the stories and structures associated with religion, rather than the concept of God itself 1h8m17s.
• The speaker, who teaches biology, believes that understanding the importance of long-term thinking and the future is crucial, even if individual contributions may not be remembered in the long run 1h6m40s.
• The speaker also mentions David Goggins, who avoids social media despite using it to share his message, possibly due to its potential to distract from long-term thinking 1h5m21s.
• The concept of God and the afterlife is still relevant to many people, but navigating day-to-day life with a sense of purpose can be challenging in the absence of traditional religious structures 1h7m52s.
• The quote "God is dead" from Friedrich Nietzsche is mentioned, but the speaker disagrees with the idea that this necessarily leads to a lack of purpose or direction 1h7m43s.
• Science explains the history of the universe, dating back 13.7 billion years to the Big Bang, and describes how we got to this point, but it cannot determine where we should be going in the future. 1h8m44s
• Technology also cannot tell us where we need to go or what we should be doing. 1h8m58s
• The question of where we should be going is not something that can be determined by science, technology, or external authorities, but rather requires individual consideration and decision-making. 1h9m0s

Longpath, Telos, Time Perception 1h9m23s

• The Long Path mindset is based on three pillars: transgenerational empathy, Futures thinking, and Telos, which is the ultimate aim or goal. 1h9m24s
• Transgenerational empathy involves empathy with oneself, the past, and the future, and is essential for understanding one's place in the world. 1h9m39s
• Futures thinking involves considering the future as a verb, something that is created, rather than a noun, a fixed destination. 1h9m47s
• Telos refers to the ultimate aim or goal of human existence, which is often lost in modern society due to a lifespan bias that prioritizes individual lifetimes over the larger picture. 1h10m3s
• The lifespan bias is a result of scientific literature that focuses on the individual's birth to death as the most important unit of time, but this perspective overlooks the overlap between generations and the impact of individual actions on the future. 1h10m11s
• The loss of Telos has led to a search for metrics to judge one's purpose and impact, and a desire for connection to something larger than oneself. 1h11m15s
• The decline of religious structures has contributed to this sense of disconnection, but even people who believe in God and are religious may still struggle with finding their purpose and connection to something larger. 1h11m36s
• Many religious practices are often focused on power, coercion, and control, rather than their original essence of love and emancipation from the human condition. 1h12m0s
• The business models of science and religion can also get in the way of their original purposes and lead to confusion and disconnection. 1h12m26s
• The conversation about human existence and purpose needs to rise above the current moment and consider the long-term perspective of human existence on Earth, which is estimated to be around a million years. 1h12m45s
• Humans are in the first third of their existence, which is reassuring and gives confidence in the future 1h13m0s.
• The human brain can expand or contract its time perception, and this happens throughout the day, especially during high stress, high excitement, life, and thinking, which shrinks the aperture and makes people focus on the present 1h13m47s.
• High stress and excitement cause people to focus on the present and deal with things in the short term, which is the opposite of the traditional Buddhist approach of being present to see timelessness 1h14m11s.
• The Otoma prayer talks about releasing oneself from the time-bound nature of consciousness to timelessness, which means getting out of the mode of stress and into the mode of relaxation to see how the present links with the past and relates to the future 1h14m25s.
• When people are under stress, it is impossible to see the bigger picture and how the present relates to the past and future, but taking deep breaths and long exhales can help bring down autonomic arousal and navigate situations better 1h14m54s.
• It is rare for individuals to think about the larger time scale when they are stressed, and the horizon of their perception gets closer, but understanding the dynamic relationship with this horizon can help people see the bigger picture 1h15m10s.

Tools: Photo Frames; Behavior & Legacy; Life in Weeks 1h15m19s

• Time capsules can be used to create useful tools for the future, and they can be found in various forms such as social media, but the latter is not considered a reliable time capsule as it can get lost or deleted over time 1h15m22s.
• Real time capsules of human experience include religious doctrine, such as the Bible, Quran, and Torah, which are considered the big three, as well as literature, music, poetry, and visual art 1h16m2s.
• On an individual level, personal practices can serve as time capsules, such as keeping a shelf with family photos, including pictures of grandparents, parents, and children, and leaving a blank photo frame to represent future generations 1h16m56s.
• Having a visual reminder of future generations can help individuals make decisions with a long-term perspective in mind, and can be used as a mantra to bring one back to the bigger picture in times of conflict or short-term thinking 1h17m20s.
• The shift from printed photos to electronic photos has made it simpler to manage relationships and delete unwanted memories, but it has also made it more challenging to concretize a process or protocol for creating a personal time capsule 1h18m21s.
• The family photos that have been kept for generations were saved by Ari's father, who fought in World War III and the Jewish underground, and later reconstructed and turned into a keepsake 1h18m50s.
• Ari's father kept the photos in his wallet for several decades before having them reconstructed 1h19m4s.
• Ari is 49 years old, married with three kids, and has an empty photo frame that will eventually be filled with pictures of his future grandchildren 1h19m18s.
• Ari has always had a lot of energy, even as a child, and used to call himself "Ari Ferrari" due to his high energy levels 1h19m34s.
• Ari believes that he will meet his great-grandchildren through the way he models his behavior and interacts with his children and others, which will impact future generations 1h20m20s.
• Ari's children sometimes listen in on his work calls and learn from how he interacts with others, which is how he will "meet" his great-grandchildren 1h20m36s.
• Ari believes that his behavior and interactions will impact 30 or 40 generations, approximately 50,000 descendants, 250 years from now 1h20m57s.
• Ari's online presence will also allow his great-grandchildren to know him and learn from him, even if they don't know his name 1h21m25s.
• People often use social media to leave a legacy for the future, even if they're not consciously thinking about it 1h22m1s.
• Ari uses a tool called "Your Life in Weeks" to fill in a chart with his birthday and predicted lifespan, which helps him plan for the future 1h22m13s.
• A personal goal is set to live up to the age of 100, which feels good, but there's a condition that there should be technology allowing for a vigorous life with friends around 1h22m22s.
• A life timeline is created by marking off squares, and upon doing this exercise, it's observed that it can inspire better decision-making by providing a visual representation of one's life 1h22m39s.
• The exercise helps in tracking time, which can be challenging for some people, including the individual who is not good at tracking time and is more oriented in space 1h22m58s.

Tool: Visualizing Future You 1h23m2s

• The problem with charts or photos on the shelf is that they have great utility but are not in the forefront of our consciousness throughout the day, making it difficult to make decisions that align with our long-term goals 1h23m3s.
• A technology or method is needed to anchor us to best decision-making, which can be achieved by considering whether a decision will make us a great ancestor and how our descendants will look back on it 1h23m40s.
• Asking oneself if they are being a great ancestor can elevate their decision-making and encourage them to make choices that will benefit their future self and descendants 1h24m5s.
• Research by Hal Hershfield at UCLA used fMRI to study how people think about their future selves, and found that the same part of the brain is activated when thinking about oneself 10 years in the future as when thinking about a celebrity 1h24m30s.
• The study also found that people who were shown an aged photo of themselves were more likely to save money for retirement than those who were not, suggesting that connecting with one's future self can influence financial decisions 1h25m41s.
• The ability to see an aged version of oneself can be a powerful tool for making decisions that align with long-term goals, and can be achieved through technology such as virtual reality or photo editing software 1h25m14s.
• The concept of being disconnected from one's future self and descendants is a common problem, and finding ways to connect with and consider the needs of one's future self can be an important step in making better decisions 1h25m51s.
• A protocol for imagining future self involves visualizing oneself in the future, such as in their 70s, to make better decisions today, including taking care of one's health and finances 1h26m23s.
• This visualization technique can be as simple as printing out a picture of oneself as an older person and putting it in a place where it can be seen daily, such as on a bathroom mirror 1h26m30s.
• Flossing is considered one of the most important habits for taking care of one's future self, as it has a significant impact on both brain and body health 1h27m1s.
• Having compassion for oneself and connecting with one's future self is an important aspect of this protocol, which involves having transgenerational empathy 1h27m29s.
• The concept of "Futures thinking" versus a singular future is important to consider, as it allows individuals to think about multiple possible futures and make decisions based on those possibilities 1h27m41s.
• Many people have an intuitive sense of how long they will live, which can influence their decisions and behavior, as seen in the example of Steve Jobs, who lived his life with a sense of urgency and purpose 1h28m24s.
• Having a personal experience with mortality, such as losing a loved one at a young age, can shape one's thinking about the future and influence their decisions and behavior 1h29m20s.
• Having a sense of urgency about the future can be beneficial, as it encourages individuals to live their lives in a way that is linked to their futures 1h29m39s.
• A person who has a family and children at a young age may feel a greater sense of urgency about the future, as they have more responsibilities and a clearer vision of what they want to achieve 1h29m48s.
• On the other hand, individuals whose parents are still alive and vigorous may feel less of a sense of urgency, which can be a blessing but may also prevent them from living their lives in a way that is truly linked to their futures 1h30m0s.
• This lack of urgency can be detrimental, as it may cause individuals to put off important decisions and actions that are necessary for achieving their long-term goals 1h30m11s.

Death, Western Society 1h30m17s

• Humans have an intuitive sense of their life expectancy, which can be a range, and this sense can be influenced by various factors, including cultural and societal norms 1h30m17s.
• The concept of death and the awareness of one's own mortality can be a significant obstacle to thinking about and planning for the far future 1h30m30s.
• Ernest Becker's book, "The Denial of Death," explores the idea that humans are the only species that recognizes their own mortality at a young age, and this awareness drives many of our behaviors and creations 1h30m51s.
• Becker's contention is that everything humans create, including culture, religion, and technology, is a way of pushing back against the reality of death and the fear of ceasing to exist 1h31m16s.
• It is argued that every addiction is based in a fear of death and an attempt to shorten the time scale of thinking and rewards to avoid this reality 1h31m34s.
• In many Western cultures, death is often avoided or hidden, and older people are often separated from younger generations, which can make it difficult to confront and accept one's own mortality 1h31m56s.
• Until individuals and societies can reconcile themselves with the reality of death, it can be challenging to plan and prepare for the future in a meaningful way 1h32m17s.
• A death meditation, guided by a death doula, can be a powerful tool for confronting and accepting one's own mortality, and can help individuals prepare for the future 1h33m20s.
• The experience of going through a death meditation can be intense and transformative, and can help individuals develop a greater appreciation for the present moment and a greater sense of responsibility to future generations 1h33m33s.
• A personal experience of receiving a call from a charge nurse about a family member's late-stage cancer and the need to make a decision about their care, led to a confrontation with mortality and the realization of the importance of considering the quality of life 1h33m49s.
• Having a close brush with death can be emancipating, as it allows individuals to see beyond societal expectations and focus on what truly matters, freeing them from the burdens of trying to push back mortality 1h34m22s.
• In Western societies, there is a tendency to prioritize quantity over quality of life, using various means to extend lifespan, whereas in some cultures, such as in Japan, there is a greater emphasis on respecting elders and death, and understanding one's place in a larger chain of being 1h34m49s.
• Japan is home to 90% of the companies that are over a thousand years old, suggesting that their cultural approach to aging and death may be a factor in their success 1h35m7s.
• The concept of a "great chain of being" recognizes that individuals are part of a larger legacy, with the responsibility to decide what to keep, what to let go of, and what to pass on to the next generation 1h35m26s.
• Integrating the fact of one's own mortality into daily life can provide a sense of purpose and direction, and is essential for making wise decisions about the future, particularly in the face of challenges such as climate change, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence 1h36m14s.
• Wisdom, rather than just intelligence, is needed to navigate these complex issues, and can be developed by acknowledging and accepting the reality of mortality 1h36m12s.

Tool: Writing Letter to Future Self 1h36m20s

• Writing a letter to your future self is a powerful tool for creating a better life, as it allows you to think about your future in a way that you normally don't, and helps you visualize who you want to be and where you want to be in the future 1h37m40s.
• The letter should be written as a private conversation with your future self, including your hopes, dreams, desires, and fears, and should focus on what you want to see happen in your life, rather than what you don't want 1h39m2s.
• The act of writing the letter is where the change occurs, not when you receive it, as it helps you think about your future self and what you want to achieve 1h38m25s.
• The letter can be used to create a roadmap to success, by visualizing what success looks like and then working backwards to create a plan to achieve it 1h39m34s.
• Life is not a 100-yard dash, but a relay, and writing a letter to your future self helps you realize that you are carrying a baton that was handed to you, and that you will hand off to someone else in the future 1h40m22s.
• The letter can be written to be delivered in five years, and can be done through websites such as Future Me or Longpath.org 1h37m42s.
• The practice of writing a letter to your future self is not common, but it can be a powerful tool for creating positive change in your life 1h38m14s.
• The letter should be written in a way that is aspirational, focusing on what you want to achieve, rather than what you don't want 1h39m30s.
• Writing a letter to your future self can help you connect with your future self and create a sense of purpose and direction 1h38m30s.
• The transition zone between what was and what will be is a critical moment, and what we do or do not do in this moment will have a significant impact on the future 1h40m36s.

Society, Future Harmony 1h41m1s

• As individuals, we must decide which protocols will help us achieve our goals, but as a society, we need to decide that we want to tackle the question of what our ultimate purpose is, now that the concept of an afterlife is no longer a guarantee for many people 1h41m2s.
• The erasure of God and the afterlife has left a void in providing a sense of purpose and guarantee of an afterlife, which was previously provided by religion for hundreds of thousands of years 1h41m19s.
• We can approach decision-making from an egoic level, considering how our choices will impact future generations, or we can be part of a larger project, such as the "homo sapien project," which focuses on the betterment of humanity 1h41m41s.
• The goal is to create a society where everyone's basic needs are met, and people can rise to their full potential, becoming great hearts and minds, rather than just having a few exceptional individuals 1h42m32s.
• To build transgenerational empathy, it's essential to read people's biographies, especially autobiographies, and understand that even great individuals had their struggles and imperfections 1h43m0s.
• As a society, we need to decide that we want to strive for a heightened sense of intellectual, spiritual, and emotional activation, which will take time to achieve but is a worthwhile goal 1h43m23s.
• If we make the decision to prioritize human flourishing, it can give us a sense of purpose, similar to what religion used to provide, and help us move beyond the instant gratification offered by social media and consumerism 1h43m57s.
• Contributing to the betterment of humanity, as individuals like Andrew Huberman and others are doing, can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment 1h44m0s.
• The concept of a single time window of operations is limited, and it's essential to have flexibility and balance in life, much like the idea of metabolic flexibility in nutrition, to achieve harmony with the future 1h44m38s.
• Many people admire and aspire to be like high achievers such as Steve Jobs and Elon Musk, who are building technologies that care about the future and will benefit next generations 1h45m9s.
• Historical figures like Edison, Einstein, and Jane Goodall have made significant contributions to society, and their work has improved the lives of future generations 1h45m34s.
• The patterns, traits, and responses observed by children from their parents play a crucial role in shaping their behavior and understanding of what is acceptable 1h46m23s.
• The increase in divorces and fractured homes in the 80s and 90s has led to a decline in collective celebrations of holidays and traditions that anchor people through time 1h46m36s.
• While commercialization of holidays has always been present, the frequency of these celebrations has decreased, and people are looking for ways to reconnect with their past and build a better future 1h46m52s.

Traditional Institutions, Family, Future Consciousness; “Protopia” 1h47m3s

• The fracturing of institutions that have been in place for several hundred years is leading to an exponential rise in short-term behavior, rather than the fracturing of the family unit being the primary cause of this issue 1h47m17s.
• The distrust of science, government, and traditional media has led to a decrease in the perceived value of formal education, with some people citing examples of successful individuals who did not finish college, such as Mark Zuckerberg 1h47m51s.
• However, it is argued that these individuals are rare exceptions and that most people who struggle in college are the ones who need to stay in college, as it provides a clear set of steps to achieve a credential that can be leveraged in the real world 1h48m7s.
• Academic institutions, financial institutions, and political institutions have changed, leading to a deep distrust of these institutions and making it harder for people to rely on them to make good decisions 1h48m41s.
• There have been instances of university presidents being fired or resigning, contributing to the distrust of academic institutions 1h48m51s.
• The social sciences have been good at identifying what is wrong with systems, but not at proposing alternative systems or a new meta-narrative based on rationality and logos 1h49m24s.
• The Enlightenment gave rise to a new meta-narrative based on rationality and logos, but now there is a need to propose a new meta-narrative that outlines what people want and what they consider a desirable future 1h49m35s.
• Proposing a new meta-narrative is challenging because it requires putting forth a set of values and a vision for the future, which can be scary for some people 1h50m10s.
• Criticizing existing systems is easier than proposing alternative systems, and there is a need to move beyond criticism and propose a new vision for the future 1h50m20s.
• Chronic stress is a significant issue that affects people's well-being, particularly when it comes to sleep, and potential solutions are needed to address this problem 1h50m34s.
• The current approach to addressing problems often focuses on breaking things down without offering solutions, whereas people are looking for potential solutions that can make a positive impact 1h50m57s.
• In the past, institutions like religion provided solutions to problems, but nowadays, people are not looking to these institutions for answers, and instead, are turning to other sources 1h51m25s.
• Academic and political institutions are often criticized for constantly fighting and pointing fingers, rather than providing clear and tangible solutions 1h51m36s.
• The traditional family unit is becoming less common, and values and structures are changing, with the nuclear family being a relatively recent concept that emerged during the Victorian era 1h52m0s.
• In many indigenous cultures, children were not separated from their parents at night, but instead, slept together in the same room, and this approach was common for thousands of years 1h52m46s.
• In contrast, the modern practice of putting children in separate rooms and using strollers to transport them is a relatively recent development that originated in 17th and 18th century England 1h53m21s.
• Many cultures around the world have traditionally used baby-wearing as a way to care for infants, with the baby being wrapped close to the mother's body, providing skin-to-skin contact 1h53m27s.
• This approach is in contrast to the modern practice of using strollers and separate sleeping arrangements, and highlights the importance of considering different cultural approaches to childcare 1h53m40s.
• The concept of being "future conscious" and critically assessing where we come from and why we are at this point is essential for moving forward and creating a better future 1h52m27s.
• The idea of a "Futures approach" involves learning and being aware of the potential consequences of our actions and decisions, and taking a transgenerational perspective 1h52m23s.
• Human babies are born after 9 months of gestation, which is earlier than other species, such as chimpanzees, due to the large size of the human brain and the female pelvis closing after transitioning to bipedalism, making it necessary for the baby to be born before full development is complete 1h54m2s.
• As a result, human babies are helpless and need to be attached and close to their caregivers, which is why many species, including humans, have a family structure that involves grandparents and elders helping to care for the young 1h55m15s.
• The breakdown of the family structure is not a recent phenomenon, but rather occurred when humans transitioned from a tribal and clan-based society to a more individualistic Victorian-era mindset 1h55m5s.
• Humans are one of the few species where females live beyond menopause, and this is likely due to the need for elders to help care for the young and pass on wisdom and stories 1h55m21s.
• The propagation of stories and wisdom is essential for making better decisions, and humans need to critically examine their current family structures and societal norms to determine what works and what doesn't 1h55m35s.
• Humans have been successful for hundreds of thousands of years, but recent disruptions, such as religion and puritanical beliefs, have altered the way families and societies function 1h55m58s.
• The current moment is an opportunity for humans to critically examine their values and behaviors and determine how to move forward in a positive direction 1h56m4s.
• The incentive structure for making positive changes is the desire to care about the future of the human species and to move forward in a positive direction in the universe 1h56m22s.
• Despite the many challenges and problems facing humans, the overall trend is one of progress and improvement, and humans are about a third of the way through their potential development 1h56m50s.
• The prevalence of dystopian fiction in popular culture is likely due to the negativity bias, but it is also important to recognize and build on the many positive developments and advancements that humans have made 1h57m19s.
• Dystopian stories are popular among kids and often serve as a backdrop for teenage love interests, but they can also act as an early warning system for the consequences of current actions if extrapolated into the future 1h57m24s.
• These stories can provide a glimpse into what might happen if certain trends or behaviors continue, allowing readers to consider the potential outcomes 1h57m42s.
• However, there is a lack of stories that explore the possibility of a better future, often referred to as protopia, a concept introduced by Kevin Kelly 1h58m5s.
• Protopia is a vision of a better tomorrow, not a perfect world, but one where progress is being made, and it is essential to start setting stories in this context 1h58m11s.
• A protopian future would not be perfect, but it would be a significant improvement, with some problems still existing, such as divorces, murders, and mayhem, but overall progress would be evident 1h58m26s.

Tool: Behavior & Modeling for the Future 1h58m48s

• There's a shift from the notion of building a better future through self-sacrifice to making it a pro-self and others endeavor, which involves empathy for self and others, getting control over time, and taking care of oneself and future generations 1h58m52s.
• This approach may seem great, but people might think it's hard to achieve for the greater good, and instead, they might focus on contributing to the greater good in their own way 1h59m29s.
• The idea is similar to what graduate students are told when they get their first round of data - the data might be cool, but it's a small part of a larger story, and the best-case scenario is a solid paper that a few people will read 1h59m45s.
• People are willing to work hard if they feel the potential payoff will be significant, and sensing the payoff is crucial 2h0m48s.
• Actionable protocols such as the empty frame, journaling to future self, time capsuling, and the aging of self can help individuals create a better future 2h0m56s.
• The goal is to create a movement where many people think this way, rather than relying on others, such as Elon, to take care of the future 2h1m13s.
• Creating a reward system or social media platform can help people join up with others who are trying to achieve this goal 2h1m37s.
• The focus should be on optimizing society and civilization, rather than just optimizing the self, and this can be achieved through a collective effort where one plus one plus one equals infinity 2h2m11s.
• The potential impact of an individual's actions can be significant, as they interact with millions of people within their closest sphere, and their behavior can model and influence others, ultimately affecting 30-50 million people 2h3m11s.
• Social and emotional contagion can spread ideas and behaviors, making them contagious and scalable, as described in Susan Blackmore's work on memes 2h3m26s.
• To create a desired future, individuals should take a few minutes to reflect on the kind of future they want for themselves, their family, and future generations, and consider their role in achieving that future 2h3m50s.
• Protocols can help individuals stay focused on their long-term goals and bring them back on track when needed 2h4m2s.
• Even small interactions can have a significant impact when individuals start thinking about and acting towards their desired future 2h4m12s.
• Complexity theory and the Santa Fe Institute's work suggest that small actions can reverberate and have a significant impact on the future 2h4m18s.
• Placing one's essence and actions within the realm of possibility for desired futures is crucial, and individuals should recognize that their actions have ramifications and reverberations beyond the current moment 2h4m39s.
• Regardless of one's profession, it's essential to do their work with the intention and recognition that they're modeling a way of being in the world that has a broader impact 2h4m55s.
• Large language models (LLMs) or AI will eventually ingest and process human conversations, including podcasts, and learn from them, making it essential to consider the content and values being shared 2h5m10s.
• Higher education will undergo significant changes with the integration of AI, potentially making traditional institutions like Cambridge or Oxford less relevant, as information can be accessed through AI tutors 2h6m16s.
• The focus of higher education will shift from solely intellectual and cognitive development to also include psychological and emotional development, helping individuals develop their core being 2h6m35s.
• Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a professor at NYU, is working on incorporating brief meditation practices into stress management for college students to help them cope with stress and develop emotional regulation 2h7m5s.
• Emotional development and self-regulation are essential skills that many people lack or have gaps in, and teaching these skills is crucial 2h7m22s.
• Human experience is dynamic, and the human brain has the capacity for dynamic representation of time, allowing individuals to focus on the present moment or expand their consciousness to consider long-term goals 2h7m46s.
• The ability to switch between solving immediate problems and making investments towards the future is essential, and individuals should be able to dilate their consciousness to achieve this 2h8m2s.

Tool: “Why Tuesdays?”, Examining Self 2h8m11s

• To incentivize people to do good and make positive changes, it's essential to examine the underlying reasons for their current behaviors and thought patterns, and then replace them with new, positive stories about themselves and their place in the world 2h8m12s.
• This process involves understanding the stories that have been inherited from society and family, and discerning which ones serve us and which ones don't 2h10m33s.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be a helpful tool in this process, as it encourages individuals to look at their negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones 2h10m6s.
• To create a better future, it's necessary to write a new story about oneself, one's purpose, and one's place in the world, rather than relying on external sources such as religion or societal expectations 2h11m5s.
• This new story should be based on a deep understanding of oneself, including one's values, passions, and goals, and should be focused on creating a positive future for oneself and for the world 2h11m22s.
• By taking an active role in creating our own stories and futures, we can move forward as individuals and as a society, and become the best versions of ourselves 2h11m40s.
• It's essential to recognize that the stories we tell ourselves about our past, present, and future are not fixed, and that we have the power to change them and create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come 2h11m54s.
• Having agency and instilling a sense of hope, awe, and empathy in one's life is crucial for moving forward into a desirable future, allowing descendants to look back and appreciate their ancestors' efforts 2h12m10s.
• Recordkeeping, putting thoughts and experiences down on paper or in electronic form, and creating time capsules for future generations can provide a sense of significance and importance, even if the impact is not immediately felt 2h12m39s.
• Starting with self-improvement and radiating positive change outward to those around can create a ripple effect, making a difference in the future, even if it's not directly experienced 2h13m8s.
• Creating a time capsule or record of one's experiences and thoughts can help people feel like they have significance in the future and send positive ripples forward 2h13m23s.
• Using concrete protocols and tools can make discussions about past, present, and future more actionable and less abstract, providing options for people to take action and make a positive impact 2h13m50s.
• Adopting protocols and taking action towards creating a better future is a way of putting one's best self forward and making a positive difference, both now and in the future 2h14m35s.

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