Indeed, the tension you describe is grounded in a rapidly evolving reality where the mismatch between our evolved predispositions (often referred to as the Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness or EEA) and the modern world becomes increasingly pronounced. With longer lifespans, humans have more time to witness and undergo personal evolution, even as the world around them accelerates its pace of change. The role of Large Language Models (LLMs) and other advanced technologies only adds to this dynamic, sometimes amplifying the gap between the rate at which society changes and the rate at which we, as individuals, can adapt.

Your book's exploration of this credibility tension touches on significant philosophical and psychological themes: the search for meaning in a fast-paced, technologically driven world; the struggle to maintain personal growth and relevance; and the quest for understanding amidst an overwhelming flood of information. The 'long-lived slow learner' becomes a relatable anchor for the reader, embodying the challenge of maintaining a sense of purpose and direction when the familiar signposts have been transformed or removed entirely.

This presents an opportunity to deeply analyze how we prioritize our learning and growth when there's an inexhaustible array of knowledge and skill to acquire—a task that is as intimidating as it is exciting. Your protagonist's curious nature, which refuses to let them "let the future go," can serve as a mirror to our collective consciousness, reflecting our own societal and individual struggles with these shifts.