Big Think Debunking doomerism: 4 futurists on why we’re actually not f*cked | Kevin Kelly & more
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Aug 29, 2025 
Join futurists Ari Wallach, Peter Schwartz, and Tyler Cowen as they explore a brighter future through collective action and innovative thinking. Wallach discusses his concept of 'Longpath,' emphasizing the importance of transgenerational empathy. Schwartz highlights the value of scenario planning in navigating uncertainty, while Cowen reflects on American progress and the urgency of action. Together, they advocate for proactive engagement and optimism, reminding us that the future is a continuous creation shaped by our choices today.
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Futurists Test Decisions With Scenarios
- Peter Schwartz defines futurists as people who help others make better decisions today by studying possible futures.
- He emphasizes testing decisions against multiple scenarios to avoid catastrophic errors.
Hire Curiosity, Imagination, Collaboration
- Peter Schwartz prescribes three skills for scenario planning: ruthless curiosity, imagination, and collaboration.
- He advises hiring data-hungry, imaginative people who learn from diverse voices to foresee change.
Peter Gabriel Turned Piracy Into Promotion
- Schwartz tells how Peter Gabriel turned piracy into promotion by treating pirated CDs as advertising for concerts.
- That example shows adaptive business models beat futile resistance to technological shifts.
