Why do movements (usually evil ones) start if it takes generations for them to take over?

You always hear about how the Chinese play the "long game" when enacting their policies, 200 years ahead of time, etc..

Also the indoctrination of our children with this trans gender and pronoun bullshite, that has taken 50+ years to gain traction.

If the charlatan(s) that begin these movements have ZERO CHANCE of being around to see the "fruits of their labor", why do they even bother?

Kinda like having a girl dumping you and then you commit suicide to get back at her. Your dumb arse ain't gonna be around to "enjoy" the pain and guilt you put her through.

Just a question I've always had about situations like this.