In the age of Voltaire and on-chain governance, how will Cardano keeps its proposals from turning into a bureaucratic junk drawer? In this episode, we'll explain the gov_action_lifetime parameter. It puts a time limit on every governance proposal, ensuring decisions are made while they’re still relevant. From binding blockchain upgrades to cultural “info actions” like naming a hard fork, we’ll explain how expiration keeps community-led change clear, timely, and efficient. And yes, we will absolutely compare it to expired lunch meat. Because even ideas smell better when they’re fresh.