POINTS OF VIEW
8202 – THE UNEXPECTED
Some developments in the future can, of course, be predicted on the basis of current trends. Thus, despite the neo-cons, the progressive extension of egalitarianism can be expected to continue, as can the further development of management systems. Equally, we can expect that technological trends, such as nanotechnology, will also persist.
The most unexpected, or at least unpredicted, development of the last century was the emergence of our modern applications of electricity, and especially of those relating to the electromagnetic spectrum which are so central to modern life. Equally therefore, over the next century the joker in the pack, again in terms of new technology, is likely to be the development of the as yet ‘unknown’ forces. Thus the key impact of my own investigations into the paranormal is not any detailed map but is simply that there are forces outside of the range currently handled by scientists and technologists. We give Isaac Newton credit as the father of our own physical sciences, but then ignore the fact that his own prime investigations were into the paranormal forces! Their existence is by itself enough to suggest that major new developments should be expected.
More important, they may open up new dimensions beyond those we currently recognize, in much the same way the electromagnetic spectrum open up. Not least, the paranormal experiences I have demonstrated to my own satisfaction seem not merely to transcend space but also time. This may, therefore, allow us to escape the Einstein – speed of light – trap and facilitate journeys to the furthest galaxies without having to shred ourselves through black holes.
Beyond this the greatest unknowns may come from contact with extra-terrestrials. The odds are that they are even now monitoring our progress; and, where the likelihood is that their civilization may be millions of years ahead of our own, protecting us from ourselves! Indeed, such intervention may help explain the weakness of paranormal forces in our vicinity as well as our even more puzzling blindness to them! Much less unexpected, though as yet ignored by all but a few futurologists, is the impact of symbiosis with the computer networks; via chips inserted into our brains. Even so, the impact on society in general, and on individuals in particular, will be immense. From the individual’s point of view it will massively expand their knowledge, if not their intelligence, and exponentially expand their communications abilities. The societal impact will be just as great, for the more you know about others the greater your understanding of there viewpoints.
Just as overlooked is the development of self-management skills. We have long relied on others to shape our lives. Indeed, a major step change in the last century, though little appreciated, was the development of such management skills by the elites. The next step change will be to extend such skills downwards to the individual. This will be underpinned by the general recognition of the individual’s right to fulfillment of their potential throughout their lives.
The remaining ‘unexpected’ development should not – in any way –fall into this category; but it does! It should be clear from history that pushing frontiers is a natural aspiration for mankind – and space is just another such frontier. But the potential impacts are far greater than just this. First comes the benefit of relocating – to other planets and space colonies – the burgeoning population still needed for economic growth. Second, indeed, will be the direct economic advantage. The factors leading to boom times typically are to be found at the margins of economic life. Thus the extra 5% or so injected by the development of space will protect our societies against the worst recessions – without recourse to the dangerous production of weapons, which has previously fulfilled the function in the leading economies – and that is gold-dust to politicians. Better still, the story of the conquest of new frontiers – remember Star Trek – will always offer a positive boost to optimism; the necessary fuel for a booming future!
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