Seventh Generation
The untold story of seventh generation — tracing the threads that connect it to everything else.
At a Glance
- Subject: Seventh Generation
- Category: Philosophy, Sustainability, Spirituality
The Origins of Seventh Generation Thinking
The philosophy of "Seventh Generation" has its roots deep in the indigenous traditions of North America. The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, one of the oldest participatory democracies on Earth, has long upheld the principle of considering the impact of decisions on the next seven generations. This holistic, long-term worldview stands in stark contrast to the short-term, individualistic thinking that dominates modern society.
As the Iroquois Grand Chief Oren Lyons has eloquently stated, "We are looking ahead, as is one of the first mandates given us. Seven generations ahead... this is the way we plan." This ethos of responsibility to future descendants has been a guiding light for the Haudenosaunee for centuries, shaping not just their politics but their relationship to the natural world.
Spreading the Seventh Generation Ethic
In the 1970s, the Seventh Generation philosophy began to gain traction beyond its indigenous roots, as environmental and social justice movements sought to articulate a more holistic, sustainable worldview. The term "Seventh Generation" was popularized by author and activist John Mohawk, who helped translate the Iroquois concept for a wider audience.
Mohawk's 1978 essay "Our Troubled Water" made a passionate case for Seventh Generation thinking, arguing that "we must begin to view the world, not in the limited terms of our own lifetimes, but in the broader context of the lives of seven consecutive generations." This radical long-term perspective soon found resonance with the emerging environmental movement, which was grappling with the devastating impacts of unchecked industrialization.
"In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." - The Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy
Seventh Generation in Business and Policy
Over the past few decades, the Seventh Generation ethic has steadily gained influence in the realms of business and public policy. In 1988, the Seventh Generation cleaning products company was founded with the explicit mission of creating sustainable, environmentally-friendly consumer goods. The company's name and values were directly inspired by the Iroquois principle.
More recently, the concept of the Seventh Generation has begun to shape legislation and government initiatives. In 2013, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy proposed a "Seventh Generation Amendment" to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which would enshrine the duty to consider long-term impacts into international law.
Criticisms and Challenges
Despite its growing influence, the Seventh Generation philosophy has also faced criticism and resistance. Some argue that it is an idealistic, impractical concept that fails to account for the harsh realities of the modern world. Others contend that it places an undue burden on the present generation, demanding that they sacrifice their own interests for the sake of distant descendants.
Furthermore, putting Seventh Generation thinking into practice remains an immense challenge. Aligning short-term decision-making with long-term consequences requires a profound shift in individual and institutional mindsets. Governments, corporations, and even average citizens must learn to think beyond their own lifespans and embrace a more holistic, intergenerational sense of responsibility.
The Seventh Generation's Growing Influence
Yet, even in the face of these obstacles, the Seventh Generation philosophy continues to gain traction and evolve. From the rise of sustainable business to the growing climate justice movement, the principle of long-term, community-oriented stewardship is taking root in diverse spheres of society.
As the scale and urgency of global challenges like climate change and resource depletion become ever more apparent, the wisdom of the Seventh Generation may prove to be an indispensable guide for navigating an uncertain future. By expanding our moral and temporal horizons, this ancient ethos offers a powerful antidote to the short-term thinking that has brought us to the brink.
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