As Yo-Yo Ma, the legendary cellist, celebrated his 70th birthday earlier this month, he didn’t just reflect on his own journey—he turned his gaze toward the future, pondering the world his descendants will inherit. In a heartfelt letter to his fans, he confessed, 'I wonder what the world will be like in 2100, when my youngest grandchild turns 76?' It’s a question that haunts many of us, and Ma’s exploration of this theme is both profound and urgent. Recently, he shared three books that have shaped his thinking, each offering a unique lens on timeless human values, our interconnectedness, and our relationship with the natural world. These books, he suggests, hold keys to building a better future—a future we might not see, but one we must prepare for. (For more of his insights, check out his new podcast, Our Common Nature, which premiered on WNYC last week.)
But here’s where it gets controversial: What if the wisdom of the past isn’t enough to solve the challenges of the future? Ma’s recommendations challenge us to think deeply about how we live today—and whether we’re truly equipped to leave a legacy worth inheriting.
Meditations
by Marcus Aurelius
Lately, I’ve found solace in the words of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor-philosopher. His Meditations—originally a private journal, never meant for public eyes—serves as a timeless guide to finding purpose in a chaotic world. Aurelius reminds us that true happiness isn’t found in external success but in cultivating inner virtues like wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance. And this is the part most people miss: In an age obsessed with achievement, Aurelius’s humanism feels like a radical call to look inward. It’s a message that resonates deeply in today’s fractured society, where the pursuit of material gain often overshadows the pursuit of meaning. If we’re to leave a better world for our descendants, perhaps we need to start by redefining what ‘better’ truly means.
Indigo
by Jenny Balfour-Paul
In school, I was taught subjects in isolation, never grasping how deeply interconnected everything is—until I read Indigo. This book is a revelation, tracing the journey of a single plant from its roots in ancient cultures to its role in shaping global economies, art, and even fashion. Did you know the denim in your jeans has ties to Asia, France, and centuries of history? Here’s the kicker: Balfour-Paul’s work inspired me to create a program for sixth graders in New York Public Schools, where we grew indigo, made dye, and crafted wearable art. It was exhausting, messy, and utterly transformative. Through this, I realized that teaching the next generation to see these connections isn’t just nice—it’s essential. But I can’t help but wonder: Are we doing enough to equip young people to navigate a world as complex as ours?
Orbital
by Samantha Harvey
Samantha Harvey’s Orbital is a masterpiece of perspective-shifting. One moment, you’re grounded in the mundane—a failed attempt to cook garlic stinking up a space station—and the next, you’re grappling with life-altering events, like an astronaut learning of their mother’s death. Harvey forces us to confront a bold question: What’s more valuable, human life or the scientific advancements that could save millions? The novel’s dual focus on the individual and the planet mirrors our own existential dilemma. It’s a reminder that we’re part of something larger—and that our survival is inextricably linked to the health of the Earth. But does this interconnectedness inspire hope, or does it highlight how fragile our existence truly is?
Now, I want to hear from you: What do you think our descendants will inherit? Are we doing enough to prepare them for the future? And more importantly, what legacy do you hope to leave behind? Let’s start a conversation—because the answers might just shape the world to come.
