The Long View
About The Seven Generations
Placing seven generations at the heart of community decision-making is embedded in many indigenous cultures, across several continents. It speaks of making decisions knowing they will impact on the future lives of all species as well as in the here and now across the planet. (This is in sharp contrast with the short-termism of most governments.)
“When you sit and you council for the welfare of the people,
think not of yourself,
nor of your family.
Make your decisions on behalf of the seventh generation coming.
Those faces looking up from the earth,
layer upon layer waiting their time.
Defend them.
Protect them.
They are helpless, they are in your hands.
That is your duty.
Your responsibility.
You do that, you yourself will have peace.”
– Chief Oren Lyons quoting the Peacemaker