Indy Johar argues that humanity's first view of Earth from space initiated "planetary self-awareness," urging us to reimagine civilization as a global endeavor. Facing climate instability and AI's

Indy Johar argues that humanity's first view of Earth from space initiated "planetary self-awareness," urging us to reimagine civilization as a global endeavor. Facing climate instability and AI's transformative impact, he advocates for "civilizational optionality"—a buffer against cascading shocks. He suggests embracing our limited knowledge fosters curiosity, tenderness, and care.

Johar envisions human-machine systems enhancing our capacity for complex discourse, defining intelligence as a conversational field for collective sense-making. This talk, presented January 27, 02026, is part of the Long Now Talks series, which fosters long-term thinking. For more, see the episode notes, watch the livestream, or join The Long Now Foundation.

Ilarion (Larry) Merculieff, an author and native community connector, has dedicated nearly four decades to serving

Ilarion (Larry) Merculieff, an author and native community connector, has dedicated nearly four decades to serving the Aleuts of the Pribilof Islands and other indigenous peoples. His extensive experience includes leadership roles as City Manager of St. Paul Island, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development, and CEO of Tanadgusix Corporation.

Merculieff also chaired The Aleut Corporation and managed the Central Bering Sea Fishermen's Association. As Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for the Rural Alaska Community Action Program, he notably led Alaska's largest subsistence rights march.

Ilarion "Larry Merculieff" (Aleut), President of the Global Center for Indigenous Leadership and Lifeways,

Ilarion "Larry Merculieff" (Aleut), President of the Global Center for Indigenous Leadership and Lifeways, is a prominent indigenous leader.

At the AASHE 2015 Conference and Expo, he shared his life, culture, and knowledge, offering a vision for transforming sustainability education through an indigenous perspective.

Larry Littlebird, a Pueblo Indian from Laguna/Santo Domingo Pueblos, New Mexico, founded Hamaatsa, 320 acres of ancestral land, where he models a spiritual relationship with the land. He embodies

Larry Littlebird, a Pueblo Indian from Laguna/Santo Domingo Pueblos, New Mexico, founded Hamaatsa, 320 acres of ancestral land, where he models a spiritual relationship with the land. He embodies traditional wisdom, living in kinship with all beings. For over 40 years, Larry has served as a life coach, speaker, and artist. His multi-faceted background as a Native filmmaker, master storyteller, and wilderness facilitator, combined with his Pueblo culture and oral tradition, informs his unique coaching style, celebrating an indigenous holistic way of life. Learn more about Larry Littlebird here.

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