What Kind of Future?

The real question is, what kind of time are we living in—and what kind of time are we moving toward?
Some days I feel deeply uncertain, and dark thoughts cross my mind—that we, the people of this Earth, have made a mess of things.
But other days, a different feeling rises: it is simply wonderful to be here—to be alive, right now, at this moment in history where we stand.
Human beings can go incredibly far. We have the power to create something never before seen: a society—both local and global—where everyone can live and thrive without fear of the future, and where what lies ahead might, in fact, be good.
Many people today are frightened by the dark visions that fill our newsfeeds and social media—climate crisis, wars, growing inequality, and artificial intelligence without boundaries. Yet those images do not represent the whole reality. Pessimism has never been a productive force. It paralyzes thought and convinces us that we are powerless to change the world.
There is another way to look at things, one that is grounded both in fact and in philosophy: a belief in the future.

Humanity has already shown that change is possible
Few stories are more encouraging than the rapid decline in extreme poverty.
Since 1990, the share of people living in extreme poverty has fallen from over 35% to below 9%. Millions have gained access to healthcare, education, and hope for a better life. This is not wishful thinking but documented fact (Our World in Data, World Bank).
We have already changed the course of history—proof that we can do so again, if we choose to.
Life expectancy is rising—and so is quality of life
Average life expectancy has increased almost everywhere. Child mortality has dropped dramatically, and diseases that once killed millions are now being eliminated.
We are not only living longer but also better. That opens space for reflection, for culture, and for wiser use of our resources.
The green technological shift is underway
The global energy revolution is real: solar and wind power are now the fastest-growing energy sources on the planet.
The cost per kilowatt hour has fallen by more than 80% in twenty years.
This is not merely technological progress—it is moral progress: humanity is slowly freeing itself from fossil dependency and moving toward a sustainable world.
Philosophy gives meaning to faith in the future
Longtermism, a modern philosophical movement, reminds us that future generations have the same moral worth as those living today.
To believe in the future is not naïve; it is an expression of responsibility. We act not only for ourselves but for those who will come after us.
As the thinkers behind the idea of existential hope remind us, we should not only fear the worst but also accept that something unexpectedly good can happen—if we keep the channels open.
Humanity learns from crisis
Every generation has faced its own threats—and every time, we have learned. Pandemics, financial crashes, and world wars—all have exposed our weaknesses, yet also renewed cooperation and creativity.
We are not infallible, but we are adaptable. And that may be humanity's greatest strength.
Technology as a possibility, not a threat
Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and automation are often portrayed as dangers. But research shows that when used wisely, new technologies can reduce inequality, increase productivity, and free people from repetitive labor.
Technology is not the enemy—no more than fire was an enemy to those who learned to harness it. It depends on how we use it and to what end.
Conditional optimism
Optimism must, however, be conditional. It is not blind to risk, but a choice to face the future with open eyes.
We know that climate change, geopolitical tension, and technological risk threaten much of what we value. Yet we also know that humanity now has more knowledge, resources, and institutions than ever before to handle such challenges.
Faith in the future is not a luxury; it is a moral necessity.
Without hope, action stops.
And without action, hope loses meaning.
Our task now is to build a future that is both realistic and beautiful—where knowledge is the driving force, and humanity remains at the center.
Sources
Facts and global development
Our World in Data - "Global Extreme Poverty." https://ourworldindata.org/-poverty
(Oxford University research showing that global extreme poverty has fallen from over 35 % in 1990 to under 9 %.)
World Bank - Poverty and Shared Prosperity Report (2023).
https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/poverty-and-shared-prosperity
(Comprehensive data on poverty reduction and improvements in health and education.)
UNDP - Human Development Report (2024).
https://hdr.undp.org/
(Shows progress in human welfare, equality, and opportunity worldwide.)
World Health Organization - Global Health Observatory.
https://www.who.int/data/gho
(Documents increased life expectancy and sharp declines in child mortality.)
Technology, energy, and sustainability
International Energy Agency - World Energy Outlook 2024.
https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2024
(Shows falling prices for renewables and reduced emissions despite economic growth.)
BloombergNEF - Energy Transition Investment Trends 2024.
https://about.bnef.com
(Confirms that global investment in renewables now exceeds investment in fossil fuels.)
Nature Climate Change - "Decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions" (2023).
https://www.nature.com/nclimate/
(Peer-reviewed evidence that several nations now achieve economic growth with declining CO₂ emissions.)
Bits & Chips—"Techno-optimism: 10 reasons to be optimistic about the future" (2024).
https://bits-chips.com/article/techno-optimism-10-reasons-to-be-optimistic-about-the-future/
(An overview of technological and industrial innovation as a source of optimism.)
Philosophy and ethical reasoning
Nick Bostrom & Toby Ord—The Precipice: Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity (Oxford University Press, 2020).
(Argues that humanity's ability to shape the future is greater than ever, despite existential risks.)
William MacAskill, What We Owe the Future (Basic Books, 2022).
(Foundational text of the Longtermism movement, arguing for moral responsibility toward future generations.)
Existential Hope Project—Future of Life Institute/Long Now Foundation.
https://www.existentialhope.com/
(Philosophical initiative promoting hope and positive futures rather than fear.)
World Economic Forum—"Reasons for Optimism in 2024."
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/01/reasons-for-optimism-2024-global-future-council/
(Global experts highlight collaboration, innovation, and health as reasons for hope.)
Positive.News—"We Should Be Optimistic About the Future" (2023).
https://www.positive.news/lifestyle/wellbeing/we-should-be-optimistic-about-the-future/
(Accessible overview of concrete progress as a foundation for realistic hope.)
Conclusion
Together, these sources reveal a world that—despite turmoil—has advanced on nearly every front where humanity has chosen to act decisively.
This optimism is not blind but conditional: it rests on knowledge, responsibility, and the conviction that goodness is possible—if we choose it.
Would you like me to prepare a shorter manifesto-style version (200–300 words) in English, suitable for publication on your Åttfutur/Værtifutur project page or Substack introduction?