Why ‘Longpath’ Is the Only Self-Help Book Your Grandchildren Will Thank You For

How to use Ari Wallach’s blueprint for legacy to transform your family—and your future.

Imagine a world where every family gathering includes an empty chair—not for a late guest, but for the children of tomorrow. Ari Wallach’s ‘Longpath’ urges us to do just that: to make the future personal, to see our lives as the fertile ground from which generations will grow.

This isn’t abstract philosophy. Wallach draws on neuroscience and real-world examples to show how rituals—like gratitude journaling, sharing stories of both hardship and triumph, or reflecting on family values—build resilience in children and create a sense of belonging that stretches across centuries.

The power of ‘Longpath’ lies in its actionable wisdom. Wallach encourages families to keep ‘legacy journals’—living documents where lessons, hopes, and dreams are recorded for descendants. He shares research showing that families who talk openly about their struggles raise children who are more empathetic, optimistic, and capable of facing adversity. The book is filled with stories of families and communities who have healed generational trauma through truth-telling, forgiveness, and shared rituals.

But legacy isn’t just about reflection—it’s about action. Wallach’s metaphor of the ‘trim tab’ reminds us that even the smallest daily habits—like offering thanks, listening deeply, or planting a tree—can change the trajectory of an entire lineage. The future, he insists, is not something to be feared or ignored; it’s a canvas waiting for our brushstrokes.

‘Longpath’ is a call to become the ancestor your grandchildren will thank. It’s about seeing yourself as part of a larger story, one that began long before you and will continue long after. By weaving together science, story, and soul, Wallach gives us the tools to create families—and futures—rooted in hope, healing, and purpose.

Start today: share a story, write a note of gratitude, or set an empty chair at your next meal. The future is listening.