THE OBSERVATION BOOTH
OP / ED & PHOTOS COURTESY ANDREA DIALECT
Futurists (also known as futurologists, prospectivists, foresight practitioners and horizon scanners) are people whose specialty or interest is futurology or the attempt to systematically explore predictions and possibilities about the future and how they can emerge from the present, whether that of human society or all else.
GROUP THINK
Last Thursday, my trip to Harlem was much like a defibrillator. But even more so, I believe it was the process of getting to my destination (people, trains, and tunnels) that once again jump-started my curiosity and realigned my focus.
I was like a child in a candy store, adoring the amazingly beautiful aesthetics of The Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel. It is truly Art Deco at its finest.
My performance that evening for the Apollo Act Up show also proved to be an eye-opener. But ironically, it was the evening at my daughter’s house days before when my forever-fascinating species, “the fly” (they’re such geniuses), proved to be a bit of a nuisance until she yanked out a very interesting gadget called a battery-operated fly swatter had forced my gaze. I was in awe at the first electrified buzz.
Then, it was the gentleman working on his truck yesterday that exemplified self-sustainability. These are a few of the things that so eloquently reminded me of the beauty of my ever-present life experience – the beauty of being human and all the resources at our disposal. Each reminded me of how much is available out there, but it also reminded me of how much of it I take for granted or simply squander.
I’ve included some of the things that fostered my fascination with being alive. They made me realize how much of a gift the contributions of those who maintain focus when thinking ahead. When gifting society their time, energy, blood, sweat and tears, creating something quite useful and, in many ways, essential for every facet of our lives. Just so that perhaps, just perhaps, we get it.
Even when, even though, oftentimes, they are not even considered or are easily forgotten. Our appreciation wanes, if that. Everything we touch, everything that we utilize for our life’s progression – or not – has been done or given by someone else, one of those beautiful forward thinkers.
Sadly, today, in our present landscape, I am constantly met with such hopelessness, false entitlement, and shallow thinking. It’s as if we just don’t get it – how much of an opportunity this life experience is. I say, ride it until the wheels fall off if you must, but certainly get on and ride.
So instead of just looking at all those awesome things we get to squander or use, let’s use my new trigger of recall: “Who done it?” to always be reminded of it – who did it, as well as the importance of each and every one of us thinking ahead. Thinking in itself is a must if we are to survive and enjoy this experience that we call life.
GOOGLE THAT
The Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel
Sleeping capsules capsule beds aka sleeping pods
Electric and battery operated fly swatters
Microchips and human augmentation
Printed food
Emotional artificial intelligence
Human composting
3D-printed super organs
Disposable clothing
DID YOU KNOW….
A futurologist is a person who studies the future and attempts to predict future events. They do this by researching past and present social, technological, economic, and political changes, and then use current trends, likely events, and systems thinking to develop foresight. Their work is also known as “future studies.”
Some examples of predictions that futurologists have made include: A cashless society, A future powered by atomic energy, A post-nuclear wasteland, and Web-enabled mobile devices.
Futurologists are an important part of the modern business world, and their work can help organizations, people, and the planet develop useful foresight. They are also known as prospectivists, foresight practitioners, and horizon scanners.
Some skills that are essential for a futurologist include: Critical thinking, Creativity, Strategic planning, and Storytelling.
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