A Philosophical Guide to Future Worth Wanting

The Concept of the Future

The future is a vast and unknowable space. It is full of possibilities, both good and bad. But what is the future, exactly? How can we think about it?

One way to think about the future is as a series of potential outcomes. These outcomes are not fixed or deterministic, but rather they are shaped by our choices and actions. By making different choices, we can create different futures.

Another way to think about the future is as a horizon. The horizon is always there, but it is always just out of reach. As we move towards the future, the horizon moves with us. This means that the future is always changing, and it is always open to new possibilities.

The future is a powerful concept. It can inspire us to dream and to strive for a better world. But it can also be daunting and overwhelming. By understanding the concept of the future, we can better prepare for it and shape it in a way that we want.

What Makes a Future Worth Wanting?

What makes a future worth wanting? This is a question that philosophers have been debating for centuries. There are many different answers to this question, but some of the most common ingredients of a good future include:

• Flourishing: A future worth wanting is one in which people are able to flourish. This means having the opportunity to live a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.
• Justice: A future worth wanting is one in which there is justice for all. This means that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, and that no one is discriminated against.
• Sustainability: A future worth wanting is one in which the environment is protected. This means that we are able to live in harmony with the natural world, and that we do not deplete our resources.
• Peace: A future worth wanting is one in which there is peace. This means that there is no war or violence, and that people are able to live together in harmony.
• Meaning: A future worth wanting is one in which people have a sense of meaning and purpose. This means that they feel that their lives are worthwhile, and that they are making a contribution to the world.

These are just some of the ingredients of a good future. There is no one right answer to the question of what makes a future worth wanting. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide what they want the future to be.

Tools for Envisioning and Cultivating a Future Worth Wanting

Once we have a better understanding of what makes a future worth wanting, we can begin to develop a set of practical tools that we can use to envision and cultivate such a future. These tools include:

• Value clarification: The first step is to clarify our values. What is important to us? What do we want to achieve in life? Once we know our values, we can begin to make choices that are aligned with them.
• Goal setting: Once we have clarified our values, we can begin to set goals. Goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. By setting goals, we give ourselves something to strive for and we increase our chances of success.
• Action planning: Once we have set goals, we need to develop an action plan. This plan should outline the steps we need to take to achieve our goals. By taking action, we move our future from the realm of possibility to the realm of reality.
• Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, we can become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and actions. This awareness can help us to make better choices and to live more fulfilling lives.
• Gratitude: Gratitude is the practice of being thankful for what we have. By practicing gratitude, we can shift our focus from what we lack to what we have. This shift in focus can lead to greater happiness and well-being.

These are just a few of the tools that we can use to envision and cultivate a future worth wanting. By using these tools, we can increase our chances of creating a future that is both desirable and achievable.