To the Residents of AD 2029

To the Residents of A.D. 2029

By Bryan Woolley

Page 434

1. What two options was the writer given to write about? Which of the two do you think would be easier to write about? Why?

2. Why does the author say that our water is undrinkable? Do you agree with him? Why or why not?

Page 436

3. Who does the author say the United States is making treaties with? What does this tell you about the writing? Why?

4. Restate the phrase, “Desire is the father of possibility” in your own words.

5. Why does the author refuse to be pessimistic about the future? What do you think the word “pessimistic” means?

Page 437

6. What does the author mean when he says that Golden Ages only exist in retrospect? Do you agree?

7. What does the author say is our most serious stupidity to date? Do you agree? Why or why not?

8. What does the word “schism” mean? Use it in a sentence.

Critical Thinking

9. Identify at least two pessimistic signs for the future that Bryan Woolley mentions in his essay.

10. What specific evidence does he mention to support his statement that human beings have a record of making dreams come true?