Future Mappers

Summary

The video explores our changing relationship with the future, beginning in the ancient bristlecone pine forest, home to some of the oldest trees on Earth. It discusses the shift from optimistic visions of progress to today's fears of dystopia. Futurist Ari Wallik embarks on a journey to find people building better futures, driven by empathy and long-term thinking. He reflects on the importance of shaping the future, like building cathedrals for future generations. The video highlights innovations like Morocco's solar power plant, showcasing a world striving toward sustainable energy and better possibilities for future generations.

Takeaways

• 🌲 The ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest houses some of the oldest trees on Earth, older than many of the world's historical landmarks and civilizations.
• ⏳ These trees have survived for thousands of years, giving visitors a unique perspective on time and history.
• 🌍 The script reflects on the future, questioning why we have drifted from the optimistic visions of progress in past decades.
• 💡 Technology once promised to bring about a better future, but instead, we face increased division, environmental challenges, and a shift toward dystopian views of tomorrow.
• 🔮 The future is not set in stone, and we have the power to shape it through the choices we make today.
• 👥 Behavioral psychology research suggests that people view their future selves as 'other people,' which affects how they plan and make decisions for their future.
• 🤖 Despite advancements in technology, human empathy and relationships remain critical in shaping a positive future.
• 🌞 The script highlights innovative projects, such as Morocco's solar power plant, which aims to provide renewable energy to millions and work toward energy independence.
• 🏛️ The idea of 'Cathedral thinking' emphasizes the importance of making decisions today that will benefit future generations, even if we won’t see the results ourselves.
• 🌱 The future is a 'verb,' meaning it’s something we actively build through our actions, with a focus on becoming 'great ancestors' for the generations to come.

Q & A

What is significant about the ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest mentioned in the transcript?

The ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is home to some of the oldest trees on Earth, with some trees over 4,000 years old. These trees were alive during key historical events such as the birth of Jesus Christ and the building of the pyramids in Egypt.

Who is Ari Wallik, and what does he identify as his main roles?

Ari Wallik identifies himself as a father, husband, and a futurist. In his professional capacity, he helps governments and companies think about and plan for the future by analyzing long-term trends.

What change in societal attitudes toward the future does Ari Wallik discuss?

Ari Wallik describes a shift from optimism about the future to a sense of dread. He explains that earlier generations believed in inevitable progress and better living conditions, but now people are more concerned about dystopian scenarios and the negative consequences of environmental and social challenges.

What is the main goal of Ari Wallik’s show, as discussed in the transcript?

The goal of Wallik's show is to find people and ideas that can help shape a better future. He wants to highlight those who are actively working to create positive change for future generations, despite the challenges we face today.

What experiment did behavioral psychologist Hal Herfield conduct, and what did it reveal about how we perceive our future selves?

Hal Herfield conducted an experiment where participants in an MRI scanner thought about their current selves and future selves. The results showed that brain activity when thinking about the future self was similar to when thinking about other people, suggesting that we often view our future selves as strangers.

What is the concept of 'Cathedral Thinking' mentioned in the transcript?

'Cathedral Thinking' refers to making long-term decisions for projects that will outlast the people who start them, much like ancient cathedrals, which took centuries to complete. It's about building a legacy for future generations, even if we won’t live to see the results.

What personal story does Ari Wallik share about his family’s history, and how has it influenced his work?

Wallik shares that his father survived the Holocaust, escaping from a Nazi ghetto and fighting with the Jewish resistance. This family history of survival and resistance against oppression has influenced Wallik’s desire to work toward a better future for humanity, rather than just reacting to present dangers.

What is the Noor Solar Power Plant, and why is it significant?

The Noor Solar Power Plant in Morocco is the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world. It generates enough power for a million homes and represents Morocco’s goal of achieving energy independence and a future powered by renewable energy.

What does the concept of 'becoming great ancestors' imply in the context of the transcript?

'Becoming great ancestors' means making decisions today that will positively impact future generations. It’s about taking responsibility for shaping the future in a way that leaves a legacy of sustainability, well-being, and progress for those who come after us.

What role does empathy play in thinking about the future, according to the transcript?

Empathy plays a key role in envisioning the future because it helps us think about how we want future generations to feel and live. By building empathy with our future selves and future generations, we are more likely to make decisions that benefit them and ensure a better future for all.