2023 FUTURE OBSERVATORY

5193 SCENARIO - DARK SPACE

Three of the four scenarios described on this database are generally optimistic; outer space, inner space and shared space. This is, though, one which is potentially much more pessimistic. It encapsulates the dark forces which have previously generated considerable pain and anguish in previous transitions. At the heart of these forces lie the power structures, inevitably dominated by the established political parties.

It is fair to say that, although the three 'optimistic' scenarios are most likely to dominate society in the longer term, the dark forces may make the transition, in the short and medium term, painful; and, if the scale of disruption escalates too far, they might possibly even destroy the chances of an optimistic future even in the longer term.

Indeed, the historical precedents for a peaceful transition are not good. Previous transitions have been bloody; as the then establishment fought to preserve its position, and privileges, against the encroachment of the new, changed society.

Edward Cornish reports that "...about 50% of US adults believe their children won’t live as well as they themselves do now." Though he then adds "...such pessimism is absurd. The truth is that the prospects for the future have never been brighter!"

Richard Slaughter, the Director of the Futures Study Centre in Melbourne, whilst adopting an ‘environmental’ approach but still not describing the process in terms of widespread violence, is like many other commentators in being rather more pessimistic about our present circumstances "...now we have more than ample evidence that the collective impacts and wider implications of industrialized cultures are far more hazardous than is commonly believed. In short we are confronted by a terrifying choice: either find a different set of principles and practices upon which to erect a notion of ‘the good life’ or watch the whole thing decay into the biggest mess this world has ever seen." 

15 May 2003 

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