Futurist: A Brief Introduction to Unravelling Complexity

A conversational, explorative, non-linear journey of the book’s title, a concept Whelan defines as “how we intentionally change in ways that grow our capacity to embody the insightful and liberated worlds we long for.” He explains at the outset that the book is meant to be perused, returned to, and jumped around more than once. There are fragments, reflections, thought experiments exercises, dialogues, assessments, facilitations—even a playlist. It’s a book for people interested in radical change who are willing to think expansively about what the future could look like or need help doing that kind of thinking. They are derived from a collection of conversations regarding the science futures and how to remain flexible along the way. Conversations regarding science futures are the key to unlocking the imagination of the futurist. In these campfire-style conversations, we learn how to imagine the future by exploring science, technology, math, art and literature as points of departure. Suppose you're interested in science and technology, and emerging trends are contemporary resources for those who enjoy critical thinking. In that case, these debates explore new ideas and identity utopian ideals and dystopian fears battle it out. Furthermore, these conversations exemplify the futurist mindset by exploring the uses and intended and unintended consequences of science or technology today.