Section 2 of The Good Ancestor: A Radical Prescription for Long-Term Thinking, written by Roman Krznaric, discusses what Roman describes as two time horizons within the human mind; Marshmallow brain and acorn brain. Marshmallow brain is described as a short-term instant gratification way of thinking, and in contrast, acorn brain is based upon long term greater results. Out of the first six sections of this book, this section I feel as if a understand and agree with the most. The context of this section is extremely helpful with understanding this concept.
Roman starts off by explaining that our brains are wired simultaneously for short and long term thinking. He believes that these two ways of thinking are in a constant state of battle against each other. This battle is stretched across all aspects of our lives, as well as society.
Examples of short-term addictive and impulsive traits are used to describe the marshmallow brain, such as craving chocolate and the “buy it now button”. Society is widely viewed as primary having marshmallow brains. A study involving rats having access to the ability to provide a positive stimulant to their brains was referenced to demonstrate the science behind the theory. The author conveys a negative view of the marshmallow brain, and leads us to believe that it may be the original form of thinking for humans.
Planning for the future is the central concept for the acorn brain. Examples such as planting a seed for a crop, or saving money for retirement simplifies this topic. The evolution of mankind is used as proof for the acorn brain. The fact that history proves where we as humans started, just objects on this planet, to what we have surrounded ourselves with demonstrates our ability to think and plan ahead. Roman goes to great lengths to portray a positive view of this way of thinking. He writes that the acorn brain way of thinking is the only way mankind will exist for generations to come.
Four main factors are contributed to long term thinking: wayfinding, the grandmother effect, social cooperation, & tool innovation. These four factors are the main contributors to what Roman discusses as humans growing long brains. This is a history lesson on how humans have evolved, mostly mentally, but also physically.
Roman ends this section of the book with what I will describe as a plea. A plea the readers to take a step back from their lives, and take a hard look at the big picture. How everyone needs to consider our future generations, and act with their best interest at heart.
Now I said early on, this section thus far in the book I agreed with the most, but I am not on board with everything. I enjoyed the back and fourth between hard facts and relatable feelings/events that were used to really bring out the marshmallow & acorn brains. Not only did I feel as if I received a history lesson in this section that didn’t put me to sleep, I felt as if it forced me to take a good hard look at my life, specifically what kind of effect I am having on future generations, specifically my own.
The impression I get from the author is that he has strong feelings against the marshmallow brain, as if you were a member of society that only focuses on short term thinking, you should be punished. On the flip side, anyone that devotes themselves to long term thinking should be idolized. Now I know he is trying to get his point across, but while I read I am envisioning the author yelling and pointing his finger at me. Is that how he is trying to get his point across?
The majority of society has been placed under this umbrella of the marshmallow brain. Everyone out for themselves so to speak. Society needs to change to encourage the acorn brain. A thought that has crossed my mind is why? Why does everyone need to change? Why does everyone need to embrace the acorn brain? It is my belief that we need both marshmallow thinkers as well as acorn thinkers. Balance would be key. (I would like to elaborate more)
(I would like to discuss family court and how things are greatly timed out as a personal experience to government enforcing acorn thinking)
(I need to do more research for a source. Not 100% what direction I am going with that yet)
(positive thoughts for the author)
(closing it all out)