Cathedral Thinking in an Age of Short-Termism

The provided text examines the concept of cathedral thinking, a mindset focused on pursuing long-term goals that span generations rather than immediate results. The author contrasts the deliberate planning and sustained development observed in China with the short-termism and reactionary decision-making currently prevalent in Western societies. By highlighting China’s growth statistics, the article suggests that Western distrust of foreign narratives may obscure the value of collective coordination and visionary foresight. Ultimately, the source questions whether modern democracies have lost the capacity to build a shared future through discipline and patience. It encourages a shift away from crisis-driven transformation toward a more intentional, unified approach to societal progress. Original article on Pressenza https://www.pressenza.com/2026/04/cathedral-thinking-in-an-age-of-short-termism/