Your view of the future

Your perspective influences the future, with Roanne van Voorst.

Our view of the future is highly personal.

A truck driver’s idea of the future differs from that of a primary school teacher. The driver observes what's happening on the road, including the presence of more electric vehicles and how people behave. Teachers observe what's trending for the next generation and hear about how children experience life.

Socio-economic and cultural aspects play an important role.

To learn more about this, we will hear from Roanne van Voorst, a future anthropologist.

Roanne tracks down people.

And then looks for transitions and changes in behaviour.

Transitions and change have an impact on our future selves.

- Roanne van Voorst

Who we are, or how we think, is partly determined by our culture.

Your opinion on the prospect of a universal basic income is related to how likely you need it. Your cultural background influences your perspective on changing global relations and the rise of a country like China.

So, discussing culture and identity can be challenging.

Roanne illustrates this using a famous statement from our royal family.

Blind spots.

The fact that we look at the future differently can lead us to think differently about things. Sometimes, this causes conflicts, even though we can learn a great deal from people who think differently. We all have blind spots, and people with a different perspective can reveal the things you've missed.

It's important to consider multiple perspectives.

Roanne explains who you should invite to your future table.

In the Netherlands, we live quite separate lives, don't you agree?

Groups that have to adapt to a majority usually know more about issues affecting that majority than the majority knows about matters affecting them. Someone living in the countryside often knows more about city life than a city person knows about the countryside.

Whether it is science, art or culinary innovations...

... new developments often materialise at the edges of society. It was the ‘computer nerds’ who first figured out the impact the internet would have.

Outsiders.

As a futures thinker, it's worth keeping your finger on the pulse of these outsiders who are beyond the mainstream radar.

In summary.

This chapter covered the following:

Different cultures think differently about the future.
Different ways of thinking are equally valid.
It is crucial to connect with people who think differently.
Even then, there are perspectives missing, such as those from future generations.

What do you need as a futures thinker?

To be a futures thinker, you require knowledge and skills. For example, dealing with uncertainty and letting go of your assumptions. In the next module, we'll cover this so you are also prepared for unexpected events.

Module 4 Completed!

UP NEXT: Knowledge and skills

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