<Potential Impact of Cantarell's Decline on Mexico's Oil Production The Oil Drum DrumBeat: July 15, 2006>

266 comments on The Course of Our Lives WILL Be Determined by the First Derivative of a Function

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Prodigal Son on July 16, 2006 - 12:42pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
Good point. :-) No one cares about a future they won't see.
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Halfin on July 16, 2006 - 1:02pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
I think you misunderstand his point. He said his discount rate is low despite his advanced age, meaning that he cares more about the future than most. And in fact, historically it is the elders of a tribe and a society who are seen as the wisest and having the most long-term view, who are entrusted with the decisions. Contrary to your statement, people do in fact care very much about futures they will never see.
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TrueKaiser on July 16, 2006 - 3:34pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
from what i have seen they are vastly out numbered..
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AlanfromBigEasy on July 16, 2006 - 9:30pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
The whole concept of forestry (with the exception of some southern pulp wood forests with 20 to 25 year cycles) is based upon "over the horizon" benefits for most decision makers (typically age 50+).  

Iceland plants over 1 million Siberian larches every year.  Time to harvest - 90 to 110 years (extrapolated from 1903 trial plantings).  Swiss stone pine takes 40 to 60 years before bearing pine nuts, yet almost 100,000 are plated each year, many around summer cabins.

The same is true in many areas of the world.

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Prodigal Son on July 17, 2006 - 9:04am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
do'oh! You're right of course.
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266 comments on The Course of Our Lives WILL Be Determined by the First Derivative of a Function

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