Short Term vs Long Term (revisited)

I recently began reading a novel that is a follow-on to Michael Crichton’s The Andromeda Strain. I have borrowed a small section from the book that, in my opinion, does a tremendous job of describing the issue.

From the Andromeda Evolution (Michael Crichton/Daniel Wilson)

      Speech by Florian Pavard 10/23/82 speech

“The average span of a generation is 25 years. Any reward occurring beyond this generational horizon creates an imbalance that undermines long-term cooperation. In short, we as a species are motivated to betray our descendants. In my view, the only possible solution is the institution of harsh and immediate punishments for those that would be unfaithful to the future.