Dear readers,
Knowledge is power. That, in essence, is how the English philosopher of enlightenment Francis Bacon put it more than 400 years ago. But is knowledge per se power? That sentence would have to be preceded by a descriptor: applied knowledge is power. Because knowledge that’s stored in brains, in books, or in data clouds is useless. Knowledge per se cures no patients, builds no cars, does not fly to the Moon. Knowledge only acquires power when it’s applied.
Insight implemented into real life with foresight produces a particularly effective impact: when knowledge maximizes opportunities and minimizes risks. That’s why we focus on the combination of insight and foresight in the current issue of our technology magazine “tomorrow” to which I cordially welcome you.
Technological progress is always a gauge of applied knowledge. That fascination with new things and the potential they offer often obscures the necessary foresight concerning negative consequences is a realization that a look at today’s world clearly reveals: whether in the form of climate change, congested cities and streets or in the form of oceans polluted by microplastics.
To expect that the failings of the past will totally purge future progress of errors would be unrealistic. But we should at least be sensitized to the need of thoroughly exploring not only the benefits of new technologies – especially of disruptive ones such as artificial intelligence – but also their consequences and to evaluate them with foresight. An important aspect in that regard is that such farsighted risk assessments should be a guardrail for our journey into the future, not a stop sign.
The carbon footprint is a good example of how insight can lead to farsighted action because knowing the compositions of individual carbon footprints enables us to prioritize and make relevant emission adjustments. That applies to businesses as well as to us personally. Starting on page 36, you can read about why conclusively mapping carbon footprints is no mean feat.
Although we’ve known for a long time that wind turbines, power lines, and high-speed train tracks are important levers for reducing emissions, such projects still encounter resistance in many places. In the English-speaking world a practical acronym – NIMBY – has been coined for such a “Not in my own backyard” attitude. Despite the absence of farsightedness and lack of community spirit NIMBY is a highly human trait. That’s why this is another area in which objections and mindsets must be explored so that they can be cleared away and insight and foresight can win. More about that starting on page 64.
Before you start reading, there’s a story I’d particularly like to recommend to you: we asked children in various regions about their ideas for the future – farsightedness from a special insight perspective. Look forward to an exciting read ...
Use the new year to make the best out of your insights and look toward the future not only with foresight but also with a positive spirit. Wishing you all the best for 2024,
Sincerely yours,