A former journalist and senior adviser in the Obama administration draws from her own experience, the stories she has reported from around the world, and research in biology, psychology, economics, archaeology, and beyond to identify the best ways to make decisions that benefit people over time.

Introduction : The trouble with the future -- Part 1. The individual and the family. Ghosts of the past and future -- Dashboard driving -- Beyond the here and now -- Part 2. Businesses and organizations. The quick fix -- A bird's eye view -- The glitter bomb -- Part 3. Communities and society. Hell or high water -- The games we play -- The living crowd -- Coda : Hope for a reckless age.