Full Idea
Most striking is the impact of the contract model on our attitude to future generations. 'Why should I do anything for posterity? What has posterity ever done for me?' would be the view we ought to take.
Gist of Idea
Why should I do anything for posterity? What has posterity ever done for me?
Source
Peter Singer (Practical Ethics [1979], 03)
Book Reference
Singer,Peter: 'Practical Ethics' [CUP 1989], p.70
A Reaction
I should bury my mobile phone for future archaeologists, because it will be more valuable then than it is now. Singer cites the disposal of nuclear waste as an instance.