The Good Ancestor

'Roman Krznaric’s book The Good Ancestor is full of revelations for everyone who cares about the legacy they leave. This is the book our children's children will thank us for reading.' - The Edge, U2

‘Beautiful to read, heartfelt and persuasive The Good Ancestor is one of those landmark books with the power to shift a mindset. One turns the pages feeling a growing compulsion for change. Krznaric’s clarion call for long-term thinking makes him an ancestor all future generations can be proud of’

Isabella Tree, author of Wilding

'The individualistic philosophies of the last century have generated huge concentrations of wealth - but at the same time put us on the road to social, political and environmental collapse. This clear-sighted and inspiring book suggests a different view of who humans are and what they really value. It’s a must-read for anyone who’s looking for the good news.’ - Brian Eno

'Roman Krznaric addresses the greatest challenge confronting the world: how can humanity survive this century and flourish in the next? He compellingly argues the ethical and prudential case for longer-term thinking. His book, though succinct, covers a fascinating range, in persuasive and eloquent prose. It deserves to be widely read - by policy makers, and indeed by all citizens who care about the prospects for their children and grandchildren.' - Professor Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal and author of On The Future

‘An important and fascinating book that asks whether we’ve got what it takes to become citizens rather than consumers and create an ecological civilisation. The Good Ancestor is a triumph’

Sir Tim Smit, co-founder of the Eden Project

 ‘I judge a book’s usefulness by how many pages I’m compelled to dog-ear and underline. This book on the pragmatics of long-term thinking earned 50-plus dog-ears’

Stewart Brand, creator of the Whole Earth Catalog and co-founder of The Long Now Foundation

‘How timely can a book be? Roman Krznaric fizzes with ideas about how we tackle that cuckoo in the nest, short-term thinking. We need to think today for tomorrow, to give future generations their rightful seat at the table’

Lord John Bird MBE, founder of The Big Issue

‘Krznaric’s seamless and magical prose delights on every page. Let’s engrave his ‘six ways to think long’ across the gateway to every Parliament in the world’

Professor Tim Jackson, author of Prosperity Without Growth

‘There could be few more urgent tasks for any thinking person alive today than encountering this book. Read it: with slow deliberate care...’

Professor Rupert Read, UEA, author This Civilisation is Finished and Extinction Rebellion Political Liaison and Spokesperson

‘From the seventh-generation thinking of Native American tribes to legally empowered guardians of the future and citizens’ assemblies, Krznaric explores a wealth of ways we can become good ancestors. For anyone who is interested in how we can get today’s society to leave the world better than they found it – this is your guide’

Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales

‘Krznaric asks the defining moral question for our age: how will future generations look back on our legacy? A superb intellectual history and razor-sharp analysis of contemporary politics, this book will change how you think about the world and is a call to action. Read it. You owe it to your children’s children’

Kevin Watkins, Chief Executive of Save the Children