Gigayear Problems
Dec 23, 2025Updated: Jan 26, 2025
Gigayear: one billion years
My father coined the term gigayear to characterize problems that, if solved, win humanity one billion years of additional life.
As a first filter for deciding what long-term problems to commit myself to, I always consider
whether the best possible outcome would generate a gigayear. This is not just a
dream; for me, it's nothing short of an obligation.
Gigayear Impacts in History
- Alexander Fleming, the inventor of penicillin
- Norman Borlaug, the father of the Green Revolution
- Edward Jenner, pioneer of the smallpox vaccine
- John Jumper, creator of AlphaFold
Any many more here.
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Trying to make everything you do a gigayear pursuit is missing the point
(connect the dots looking backwards). However,
mentally committing to a gigayear as a life philosophy, central motive,
and real possibility enriches my journey with some greater purpose.