Happy New Year

Why a Web Log
February 2007

© 2007
World Future Society
7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 450
Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
Tel: 800/989-8274 or 301/656-8274
Fax: 301/951-0394

    In an earlier Blog on the question Who is a futurist? "I wondered is it only someone who has a degree from a college program or anyone who cares about the future and has opinions about what, where and how it will unfold?" There was some talk about what a futurist might look at and care about. But we did not begin to touch issues such as‘ What does a futurist look and act like and why should we have them?’

    My answer goes back to the initial statement, which I now find is attributed to Alvin and Heidi Toffler, that ‘everybody is a futurist now!’ I agree that everybody could be a futurist, the tools are there, but the primary ingredient that pulls it together is someone sincerely caring about the future. This means having concern about where things are going and wanting to have some say in how the future unfolds. While specialist foresight degrees do provide additional skills and tools, any individual regardless of their background can take a more effective look at trends and techniques and make a difference and the results can be very positive. To quote Dr. Tom Lombardo, thinking about the future usually "improves imagination, creativity and flexibility" for those who undertake it and this can give a sense of empowerment and purpose to anyone who takes foresight seriously.

    We should have futurists because modern society needs them, as it needs anyone who steps up to take responsibility for their own future or that of their family, organization, company or even country. And as we have seen with the Internet, the difference that even one person can make is no longer a daydream. But the other reason futurists are important is the element of thoughtful and responsible consideration of all the options. This is the difference between ideology and strategic behavior. An understanding of How Things Work and the consequences of actions before acting is the essential factor that foresight adds to the mix, and it is definitely a critical one.

    And finally, in response to some feedback, I would add the question "Where is a Futurist?" When you read histories of prominent figures in futures, it is often an American and European list of names (and often a white male list). A recent presentation to a Native American consortium and numerous trips to Asia and Latin America have me convinced that a focus on the future must be a global one, and the voices of those who have not been included in the past will make themselves heard. And those who have not been listening will continue to do so at their own peril, because "Westernization" is now a very passé 20th Century concept. Comments Please!