The average span of a human generation is twenty-five years. Any reward occurring beyond this generational horizon creates an imbalance that undermines long-term cooperation. In short, we as a species are motivated to betray our own descendants. In my view, the only possible solution is the institution of harsh and immediate punishments for those who would be unfaithful to the future.
This seems so relevant today with climate change denial by some of our most powerful politicians, by which I mean, Trump and his gaggle of Republican sellouts. I pity their children and families.
