Creating a Sustainable Future in a 10-second World

Although  I have only a few drops of Native American blood in my lineage, I have always embraced some of their core philosophy. It is said among Northeast Native Americans that, "We must always consider the results of our deeds on the seventh generation after our own." In a world where we have little patience for anything slower than a 4G phone or a 3G iPad, will we take the time to pass on knowledge to future generations to build upon? Or do we somehow think knowledge accrued over hundreds of years is no longer relevant or needed, as long as we have our TI Graphing calculator? Although some will argue that the teachings of the Native Americans are not scientific, they often are exactly that. Their lessons and knowledge are based on studying our earth and sky for hundreds of years, and passing on this experience from generation to generation. I am concerned about creating a sustainable future in a ten-second world. Is the gap between the experience of our elders and the technologically savvy and independent youth of today widening like a rubber band ready to snap? Or will we create a "circle of knowledge" between the young and old that will lead to the sustainability of our earth for seven generations beyond our own? After all, circles have no end.