The way we think about the future has real consequences on our behavior, so it's important to find a credible and realistic way to think about the future that encourages positive action without succumbing to despair.
Joy Milne's superpower of smelling diseases like Parkinson's, cancer, and Alzheimer's has the potential to lead to breakthroughs in early detection and treatment, highlighting the importance of unconventional approaches in healthcare.
Deep dives
The Power of Thinking about the Future
The importance of how we think about the future is highlighted, as our view of the future has real consequences on our behavior. Being too pessimistic can lead to complacency, while being too optimistic may result in a failure to address present challenges. It is crucial to find a credible and realistic way to think about the future that encourages positive action without succumbing to despair.
Joy Milne and Her Unique Ability
Joy Milne, a 70-year-old woman, discovered her unusual ability to smell Parkinson's disease when she realized she could smell her husband's condition before his diagnosis. Her superpower of smelling diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's has led to collaborations with researchers worldwide, potentially leading to breakthroughs in early detection and treatment.
Living with a Challenging Future
Allison Williams and her approach to living with Parkinson's disease demonstrate a mindset that focuses on the process rather than the outcome. By doing the next right thing and embracing their condition rather than viewing it as an inevitable end, Allison and others can live their lives to the fullest and make the most of every day.
Shifting Perspective and Finding Hope
Changing the way we think about the future can alleviate feelings of helplessness. Instead of fixating on the negative, it is important to concentrate on what we can control and take action accordingly. By shifting our focus to the present and doing what we can to live well, we are able to find hope and make a positive impact on our lives and the lives of others.
What if you had a superpower that allowed you to see part of the world that was to come? At the age of 60, a Scottish woman named Joy Milne discovers she has a biological gift that allows her to see things that will happen in the future that no one else can see. A look at how we think about the future, and the important ways the future shapes the present. | To learn more about this episode, subscribe to our newsletter. Click here to learn more about NPR sponsors.