The concept of Cathedral Thinking stretches back through the centuries to medieval times, when architects, stonemasons and artisans laid plans and began construction of the soaring, cavernous structures that served as places of worship, community gathering spaces and safe havens.

Since then, the concept has been applied to space exploration, city planning and other long-term goals that require decades of foresight and planning so future generations can enjoy their full realization.

Though there are many instances to which Cathedral Thinking can be applied, they all require the same foundation: a far-reaching vision, a well thought-out blueprint, and a shared commitment to long-term implementation.

Un tas de pierres cesse d’être un tas de pierres, des qu’un seul homme le contemple avec, en lui, l’image d’une cathédrale.
(A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.)
– Pilote de Guerre, by Antoine de Saint Exupéry