Future Tense

Could Utopian thinking save democracy?  

20 snips
Jan 30, 2025
In this conversation, William Paris, an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto specializing in utopian thinking, teams up with Anna Abraham, Director of the Torrance Centre for Creativity and Talent Development. They explore why utopian thinking is often dismissed and argue its potential to inspire bold, transformative ideas in democracy. The duo delves into the relationship between creativity and mental health, and how societal perceptions affect creative individuals, while also addressing the implications of generational labels in today’s society.
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INSIGHT

Utopia and Reality

  • Utopian thinking challenges assumptions about what's possible and desirable.
  • It pushes boundaries and questions the status quo, fostering a dynamic relationship with reality.
INSIGHT

Utopia as a Method

  • Utopia is not about fanciful thinking but a method for untethered policy-making.
  • It facilitates thinking beyond the present limitations, encouraging exploration of new possibilities.
INSIGHT

Normalization of Utopia

  • Successful utopian thinking changes social practices, making the once-utopian seem normal.
  • This normalization obscures the original utopian vision, making it appear as if it was always possible.
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