When Jonas Salk developed the polio vaccine in 1953, he refused to patent it, forgoing profit so that more lives could be saved. He was motivated by his belief that humans should be "good ancestors" to future generations. In the 21st century, philosopher Roman Krznaric sees just the opposite: Our short term, exploitative mindsets have “colonized the future” with a grow-at-all-costs obsession. Businesses eschew civic responsibility for immediate gains, politicians throw their support behind whatever will win them the next election, and we all struggle to focus our attention beyond the next alert from our smartphones. The result? An inexcusable chasm between the haves and have-nots—and mounting existential threats—have brought our species to the precipice of disaster. But there is hope, if we can enact within ourselves one crucial change: Trade shortsightedness for long-term thinking. (This book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)