Short-term fixes often mean long-term problems. Peter Cochrane hates that – as most of us do. So why isn’t technology coming to the rescue? As I watch the actions of companies and governments it often seems that our species has lost the ability to do joined up thinking and economics. Have giant corporations and governments thrown away 60 IQ points along with the ability to make rational decisions beyond simple-minded, up front or face value costings? All companies and organisations face difficult choices and crisis conditions that sometimes lead to limited options and odd decisions. Large and small, they all make errors and suffer from the mistakes of others outside their control. But there is no excuse and no place for short-term stupidity and muddled thinking that damages the long-term operation and viability of any group. At home the same individuals think long-term and paint the house instead of letting it rot, service the car rather than risk an accident, pay for children