Introductory Questions

Some things catch fire literally, others metaphorically—and the fires that most interest us here are those happening for at least the second time. Without reading the rest of this outline, brainstorm with your friends what it could mean for something to re-ignite, and how different that is than igniting in the first place. When is it better for something to burn twice? And is there a difference between burning up, burning down, and burning with?

The best time to burn twice is when the first fire wasn't enough to finish his task.

"Burning up" is when a fire is too strong and doesn't leave anything behind, it's super dangerous if not controlled, this kind of fire is usually used when things have to get completely purged or swept away. 

"Burning down" is when a fire is intentional (sometimes) and controlled, this kind of fire is usually used to clear paths, demolition etc, most of the times this fire is used to destroy the old and make the new.

"Burning with" is the kind of fire that is not used for destruction, it is instead used for connection, passion and collective energy. It's about sharing an experience or a common purpose, it's about creating something collaborative and sustained.  -Nicholas (Y7)

Key points from the article: 

Moore's Law for Everything by Sam Altman

• Technological Revolutions: AI is seen as the latest major change in technology, following big shifts like the industrial revolution and the digital age.

• Moore’s Law Applied: AI will make things cheaper by 50% every two years, just like how computer technology has gotten cheaper and faster.

Moore's Law is the idea that computer chips get more powerful and cheaper every two years. This happens because the number of tiny parts (called transistors) on a chip doubles, which makes technology faster and less expensive over time. It’s why computers, phones, and other tech keep improving so quickly.

• Equity Fund Proposal: Altman suggests creating a fund to give money to citizens, funded by taxes on big companies and land.

• Benefits and Challenges: The fund could give citizens extra money, but it might be hard to put into action.

• Gradual Implementation: The changes would happen slowly to avoid sudden problems and could help political leaders become more popular.

Counting up to Twenty

The song "Counting Up to Twenty" seems to show how people in the past were very hopeful about the future, especially in terms of technology and society. It represents how people believed things would always keep getting better, just like many hope for progress today, especially with things like AI. The song might be about preparing for a better future with hope, but it’s more of an example of old-fashioned optimism than the main focus of the article.

Key points from the article: 

What's Behind Trump's 'Many People Are Saying' Verbal Tic: Podcaster

• Ezra Klein’s Opinion on Trump’s Age: Ezra Klein disagreed with the idea that Donald Trump's problem is his age, arguing that Trump is simply voicing what many people think but are afraid to say aloud.

• Trump's Style: Klein notes that Trump's style has always been outspoken and different from other political leaders, especially in his approach to issues like immigration, the economy, and foreign affairs.

• Recent Scrutiny of Trump’s Speech: Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have questioned Trump’s cognitive state and his ability to serve, pointing to verbal slips and a 40-minute pause at a rally in Pennsylvania.

• Klein’s Background: Ezra Klein is a prominent American journalist, co-founder of Vox, and a political commentator known for nuanced takes on complex political issues.

• Trump’s Behavioral Style: Klein explained that Trump moves through the world without the behavioral inhibition most people have. He described Trump as low on conscientiousness but high in disinhibition.

• Trump’s Political Consistency: Klein argued that Trump has not necessarily declined cognitively but has always been someone who says what’s on his mind, without concern for political correctness.

• Trump’s Verbal Tics: One of Trump's verbal tics is to say, "Many people are saying," which Klein suggests is actually Trump saying what many people want someone to say, but are often afraid to speak out loud.

• Trump's Early Comments in 2016: Klein pointed out how Trump’s bluntness during the 2016 race—such as criticizing George Bush for the Iraq War—was something that many in the political establishment were afraid to say, but Trump said it openly.

• Trump’s Ability to Speak His Mind: While Trump’s ability to speak his mind connected with many people, Klein also pointed out it was a flaw, as it showed his inability to think strategically about his words or to listen to others.

• Trump’s Policy Consistency: Klein notes that Trump has essentially run on the same policies since his first presidential campaign in 2016, with little change to the GOP platform in his 2020 or 2024 campaigns.

• Concerns Over Trump’s Rhetoric: Harris and Walz have raised concerns over Trump’s rhetoric surrounding the January 6 Capitol attack and his comments about election interference.

• Trump’s Unpredictability: Trump has made controversial comments about nuclear weapons, pulling out of NATO, and COVID-19 treatments, which Klein sees as unrestrained and without strategic consideration.

• Trump's Refusal to Accept 2020 Election Results: Klein highlighted that Trump’s ongoing refusal to admit the 2020 election results were fair was a key issue, noting that Trump did not care about the dishonor or consequences of fighting the results.

• Trump's Lack of Inhibition: Klein emphasized that Trump was unrestrained by the usual political inhibitions that other politicians have, which includes understanding the importance of the peaceful transition of power.

A hundred years is a long time. What if the same thing happened, but you woke up only 10 years in the future? What do you imagine the year 2035 will be like for students like you? What are the easiest things to predict–and what are the hardest?

Easiest Things to Predict:

Advances in Technology:

• AI and Automation: It's likely that AI and automation will be even more integrated into daily life, especially in education and jobs. You could be using AI tutors or personalized learning tools to help with studying.

• Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR): Schools may be using VR for virtual field trips, historical reenactments, or even science experiments. Classes could blend the physical and virtual worlds in ways that feel almost like science fiction today.

• Smart Devices Everywhere: Wearables, smart glasses, or even implants might make information more accessible instantly, helping you learn or communicate in new ways.

Climate Change Adaptations:

• Renewable Energy: Solar, wind, and other green energy sources will likely be much more widespread, powering homes, schools, and even vehicles.

• Environmental Awareness: Students in 2035 will likely be even more aware of climate change, possibly having eco-friendly habits as a norm, and more schools may teach sustainability practices.

New Job Markets:

• Careers that don’t even exist today could be common. Think jobs in AI ethics, virtual reality design, or even space tourism. The job market will be very different, with many more roles focusing on technology and sustainability.

Hardest Things to Predict:

Social Change:

• While technology is easier to predict, the way people will interact with each other—socially, culturally, or even politically—is much harder to pin down. New ways of communicating might emerge (like holograms or brain-to-brain communication), but it’s hard to say how society will adapt to those changes.

• Also, the values or cultural norms of 2035 may surprise us. Will we continue to see a shift towards more inclusivity, or will new challenges emerge?

The Pace of Technological Change:

• It’s difficult to predict how quickly some technologies will develop. For example, will we have fully functional self-driving cars by 2035? Will we be living in smart cities with fully integrated tech? The rate of advancement could vary, and some predictions might fall short while others will exceed expectations.

Educational Systems:

• While it’s clear that technology will reshape education, it’s tough to know exactly what that will look like. Will schools still have traditional classrooms? Will we rely entirely on online education? Or will schools blend online and in-person learning in unexpected ways that we can’t yet imagine?

Global Events or Surprises:

• No one could have predicted the exact details of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic or the rise of new political movements. The future could surprise us with new global challenges or shifts that we can’t foresee, affecting everything from economics to education.

In 2035, students will likely experience a future that feels incredibly futuristic in some ways, but also, in others, just an evolution of trends already happening today. Technology will be everywhere, but how it integrates with our lives and how people interact with it and each other could turn out to be the most surprising part. -Mihai (Y7)

“The best is yet to be,” wrote the English poet Robert Browning, a phrase often quoted (out of context!) to evoke a sense of possibility and hope. But “The best is yet to be,” wrote the English poet Robert Browning, a phrase often quoted (out of context!) to evoke a sense of possibility and hope. But we now live, many people are saying, in a pessimistic age–in which some people even avoid having children to protect them from the grim days ahead. If you met someone who was that certain that the future would be full of suffering, would you try to give them hope again? If so, what would you tell them. 

Over the last century life expectancy has heavily increased in the industrialized parts of the world. This is a result of the advancements in all the fields that prioritise health. There have also been technological advancements reducing the risk of things like murrder and being able to respond to emergencies faster. -Y9

Key points from the article: 

Against Doomerism

• Pessimism About the Future: A majority of young people, according to an international poll, agreed with the statement "humanity is doomed," reflecting a widespread pessimism about the direction of the world.

• Climate Change and Politics: This pessimism is partly fueled by global challenges such as climate change and political instability, which contribute to a sense of uncertainty about the future.

• Progress Made by Humanity: Despite the pessimism, the article argues that this view underestimates the significant material and political progress humanity has made over the last couple of centuries, especially in the past few decades.

• Optimism About the Future: The article encourages a sense of "changeable optimism," grounded in facts and realism, as a way to foster hope for a future that will not only continue but improve.

• Goal of the Article: The piece aims to inspire hope by highlighting positive progress and potential, with the hope that it leaves readers feeling more hopeful about the future of the world.

• The Role of Hannah Ritchie: Contributor Hannah Ritchie is mentioned for her concept of "changeable optimism," which helps drive the article's hopeful perspective on the future.

• The Highlight's Purpose: The edition of The Highlight created by the Future Perfect team at Vox is designed to counteract pessimism and encourage a positive view of the world's future.

• A Future Worth Fighting For: The article concludes by reinforcing the idea that the future is worth fighting for, emphasizing the potential for continued improvement and progress in the world.

Take a step back from the broader future to think about small things that can also be recalled to life with new vitality: musical bands, TV shows, even products and ideas once abandoned to museums and overstock warehouses. (Walk around your school and you’ll probably spot at least one person buzzing about with a film camera; what was once obsolete is now the flavor du jour.) We’ll investigate them more later in this outline, but, for now, what other dead or derelict institutions, products, or trends do you think will become popular again in our lifetimes? Is there a restaurant that you and your family miss that you wish would be revived—and how much effort would you be willing to put into that revival?

This may mean that it will be a nostalgic moment and that technology will take control of the past. Some examples of objects that will/are being replaced are:

 Polaroid Cameras

• Instant photography with a nostalgic, tangible feel.

• Could be revived with modern tech enhancements like Bluetooth connectivity or instant printing from smartphones.

 Vinyl Records

• Already making a huge comeback, but could continue to evolve with more innovative designs and formats, like limited-edition pressings, or unique art pieces that make the vinyl experience even more immersive.

 Arcade Games

• Retro arcades and pinball machines—especially with the addition of VR or immersive experiences—could tap into both nostalgia and new tech.

 Drive-In Theaters

• Outdoor movie theaters with car-side service or comfy lawn seating could appeal to a crowd looking for a fun, retro experience in an age of streaming.

Classic Diners

• Retro diners with old-school décor, milkshakes, and burgers. Think: a place where you can escape from the digital world for a while and savor simple comfort food.

 Rotary Phones

• The satisfying click of a rotary phone could see a resurgence in some niche, retro circles, or as a novelty for those who want a digital detox experience.

 Handwritten Letters

• In an age of digital communication, handwritten letters could be re-imagined as a more intentional, meaningful way to connect with others, perhaps in the form of a new "letter-writing subscription" service.

 Typewriters

• A return to the typewriter for writers who miss that tactile sensation, or for creative projects. Could be marketed as a way to disconnect from the distractions of modern computers.

 Fanny Packs

• Functional and stylish, the fanny pack could make a major comeback in fashion, especially with clever designs and collaborations with high-end brands.

 Cameras with Film Rolls

• Film photography (like disposable cameras) could gain popularity as a way for people to disconnect from their phones and focus on the physical process of taking photos.

 Malls with a Retro Vibe

• Malls that capture the nostalgia of the '80s and '90s, with an emphasis on community spaces, arcades, food courts, and more interactive experiences.

 Tupperware Parties

• A fun, social way to share kitchen products and ideas. With a focus on sustainable storage solutions, these could appeal to today's more eco-conscious crowd.

 Hand-Crafted, Small-Batch Products

• An entire movement toward handmade products, whether it’s food, clothing, or home goods, could grow with a focus on artisanal craftsmanship.

 Flip Phones

• There’s something charming about a flip phone’s simplicity. It could be marketed as a way to reduce digital distractions and focus on real-world connection.

 80s & 90s TV Shows/Cartoons

• Reboots or continuations of classic shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Friends, or The Magic School Bus, with a modern twist.

 Roller Rinks

• Roller skating as a fun, retro social activity could be reinvigorated in a more inclusive way, with retro-style roller rinks or outdoor skating events.

 Blockbuster (or Rental Store) Experience

• A physical location for renting movies, with vintage VHS tapes, popcorn, and retro cinema experiences.

 Scrapbooking & Physical Memory Preservation

• In the era of digital photos, scrapbooking and other physical ways of remembering moments could become a unique, hands-on hobby again.

 Soda Fountains & Old-School Ice Cream Parlors

• Reviving the traditional soda fountain or an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, serving up shakes, floats, and sundaes with retro vibes.

 Cigarette Cards & Collectible Ephemera

• Reviving collectible cards (non-smoking related) like those from old cigarette packs or vintage trading cards—modernized for contemporary collectors.

 Pogs (Milk Caps)

• As a game, Pogs could see a resurgence as a collectible, especially with the addition of digital or augmented reality aspects.

 Record Players + Listening Parties

• Hosting vinyl listening parties, where people gather around to experience full albums on vinyl in the way it was originally meant to be listened to.

 Polaroid Instant Film Cameras with New Features

• A mix of nostalgia and modern photography could create a new hybrid that appeals to today’s digital native generation.

 Soda Pop/Candy from the Past

• Reviving retro brands or regional products from old-school candy stores (like nostalgia-infused candy or quirky soda flavors).

 Craft Fairs & Artisan Markets

• Bringing back community events focused on handmade, locally produced goods—whether it’s jewelry, pottery, vintage clothing, or artisanal foods.

All of these are from the 20th century and this shows how old all these objects are.  -Mihai (Y7)

Key points from the article: 

Climate Scientists Ponder: “Do I Really Want to Bring a Child Into This World?”

• Camille Parmesan (ecologist) chose not to have children, citing human population growth as a problem for the environment.

• Maharaj, another scientist, compromised with her husband and chose to have one child, hoping her son might help find solutions to the climate crisis.

• The Guardian contacted all lead authors or review editors from IPCC reports since 2018 about personal life decisions related to climate change; 360 out of 843 responded, a high response rate.

• 97 female scientists responded, 17 of whom chose to have fewer children due to environmental concerns, with most respondents over 40 years old.

• Seven percent of male scientists surveyed also had fewer children or none at all for similar reasons.

• Most female scientists made their decisions about having children decades ago, when the urgency of global heating was less apparent.

• Lisa Schipper, a climate vulnerability expert, has begun to feel panic about her child’s future due to worsening climate change.

• The Population Bomb (1968) by Paul Ehrlich sparked debate on the role of population growth in environmental destruction, leading to accusations of racism due to fast-growing populations in Africa and Asia.

• The debate on population growth and climate change no longer supports compulsory population control; instead, it emphasizes education and access to contraception.

• Regina Rodrigues, an oceanographer from Brazil, chose not to have children, influenced by witnessing environmental destruction in her hometown and realizing the resource limitations exacerbated by climate change.

• Professor Lisa Schipper from Germany, who had one child, feels guilt about leaving her child in a world facing climate change and is concerned about her role in contributing to the crisis.

• An anonymous Indian scientist adopted rather than having children, criticizing wealthy people with large families for being self-centered and irresponsible due to the disparity in emissions between the rich and poor.

• Research on environmental concerns and fertility choices shows mixed results across different age groups and nationalities, with some choosing fewer children out of concern for the future.

• A study of Americans aged 27-45 found concerns about the well-being of children in a climate-changed world outweighed concerns about the carbon footprint of their offspring.

• In Sweden, focus groups revealed few individuals had changed or would change their family plans due to climate change fears.

• Research in the global south is lacking, and many women there do not have the freedom to choose how many children to have.

• Schipper believes the number of people doesn’t matter if only a small percentage are responsible for the majority of environmental damage.

• Parmesan disagrees, stating the total environmental impact results from both consumption levels and population size.