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Simply overwhelming

The biggest hurdles in designing the future are the constraints that slow us down because we are not aware of them. What works is not determined by natural limits, but by our inability to imagine it. While climbing a mountain is a physical challenge that requires fitness, stamina and enthusiasm, building the future is a task that requires additionally imagination and creative drive. The space for possibilities is simply overwhelming.

Before looking at the design parameters, it is helpful to become aware of the design freedom in order to better exploit the available space.

  • Possible futures
    The outlooks become possible, if they are thinkable. Thus, for some aspects, the necessary resources for implementation might still be missing. That does not mean, however, that the flight to the moon was not yet imaginable for Jules Verne. Or the electronic surveillance state could not have been brought to our attention by George Orwell. Or that Bill Gates could not have imagined that all people could use a variety of computers in their household. What is still waiting for us requires only someone to express it. The possible futures are beyond our present experience. For this reason: anything goes – as long as we can express it.
  • Convincing futures
    The forecasts are convincing, if they offer a credible picture of the future. This requires more justifications. Most of the things that determine our lives in this century already exist, e.g. 3D printing, humanoid robots, machine intelligence, networking. Even, if the 3D printing still seems relatively rough, you should remember the times of the first dot matrix printer, which could print nothing else than a black dot. Today, we print photos for a small amount of money, which can no longer be distinguished from an „analogue“ photo. As soon as someone explains the context comprehensibly and consistently, a future will be convincing. Here you find the feasible options.
  • Desirable futures
    The prospects are desirable, when they fit into one’s goals and requirements. At the same time, the intentions play a large part for desiring. In the interests of feasibility, these perspectives should be found in the area of convincing futures. In any case, the paths are different for different groups and individuals. Different beliefs and values lead to different wishes. In a value system that puts money in the center, the futures look different as in a value structure based on welfare or cooperation. The desire is fueled by the subconscious that leads to an instinctive yearning, sometimes to greed. In doing so, be aware what you wish for – it could become true.
  • Probable futures
    It is likely that the future becomes a down-to-earth, realistic vision of the future, beyond all possibilities, convictions, and desires. Interests and beliefs should only play a minor role. The shifting of inhuman work to machines with more or less intelligence and, thus, the dissolution of today’s working environment has to be expected. And that despite this outlook no one provides yet an answer to the question of the future basis of existence for the people, this future is not less unlikely. These futures require an early concern about the implications of these new societal forms.

Beyond the present, there are still other futures, which no one foresees, and are beyond our expression. That is why we are looking at the present viewpoints on the future, which differ individually and do not automatically overlap with others. The conscious dealing with futures is easier when you are aware of these different spaces. In any case, the actual future must be actively designed. If you do not participate, you leave your own future to others.

Bottom line: Infinitely a lot is possible – and if not such infinitely, then at least infinitely minus one. The space where the future happens is largely determined by our imagination. The unimaginable remains unattainable. As we deal with what is thinkable, we distinguish between possible, convincing, desirable, and probable futures. These areas are so wide that we are overwhelmed by the alternatives. Nevertheless we are called to design our future, since even if anything goes and a lot is already feasible, not everything is really thought to the end in all areas. However, we should be aware of what we wish for, as we might not get rid of it later on.

Charging words with meaning

In times of populism, words are charged with meaning. The meaning of a word actually arises in the mind of the readers or listeners, who link a message with their thoughts and thus develop their personal understanding. However, this effect can purposefully be distorted by additional information. Notably specialized language jugglers, who suggest to the listener that they know what is meant, produce their own messages. Through these influences, the audience is incapacitated and manipulated according to the conviction of the presenter.

How do they load words with meaning?

  • Assuming falsified intentions
    The direct way to a new meaning is to allege directly that the original speakers or writers have certain intentions. Based on this you quote examples that create the prepared framework, the deliberate manipulation. Whatever was originally said is gone. Example: With the statement „The author wanted to tell us that …“ the commentator defines a new meaning. You should especially look for these assertions, because they could indicate a distortion of meaning.
  • Shifting the context
    Less obvious is the shift of the context. By attributing statements to a particular group or by placing them in a historical context, new possibilities of interpretation arise. Since words are in a constant state of change, one can find a negatively charged time in history. The content receives thereby a new conceptual basis, which falsifies the original statements. Shift of context creates a new meaning. Example: The statement „We are the people“ in the context of the year 1989 produces in Germany a different meaning than related to 2014. It is helpful to be aware of the context!
  • Reinterpreting with ambiguous synonyms
    Words are often ambiguous – e.g. the step through the break of the wall gave him a break for eating a break. Content can be directed in a particular direction by using appropriate synonyms, which in turn have a wide field of interpretation. This can be done with several words simultaneously or successively. Example: The statement „Through transparency of the expectations you have more advantages“ is distorted by using other words „With a clear view on the needs you expand your profits.“ The word choice should always be questioned.
  • Covertly contradict
    It is tricky not to pronounce an interpretation concretely but to contradict socratically with another interpretation. This implies a new meaning, without making it explicit. For example, “Honesty is the foundation for communication” might be contradicted by saying, „The own attitude should never create a disadvantage in mutual interaction.” It is clever not to get distracted by contradiction from what is really objected to.
  • Judging titles
    The assumed impartiality of news reinforces statements by emphasizing individual aspects. Thus, a title prepares the readers for the objective news content. Unfortunately, the unbiased information gets quickly lost. Example: The following title “Violence against journalists at Pegida demonstration” focusses on the demonstrators, whereas „Dozens of arrests at demonstrations in Moscow“ is used to target the police. A look at the involved parties as well as the preferred or accused side is always beneficial.

Bottom line: At the end of the day it is not possible to know what someone originally meant. This makes all comments on articles of others above all an expression of the interpreter. Nevertheless, the impression is created that there is a certain, correct interpretation. In this case allegations, context shifts, reinterpretations with ambiguous synonyms, hidden contradictions of facts and judging titles occur. That way third parties, commentators and critics, charge every message of other people with meaning that does not necessarily correspond to the original intention. Be aware!