The future in 2040 I would like to see marked by a return to traditional values and a European economy at the forefront and not lagging behind as it is today. The Europe of 2040 I would like to see united in its liberal and democratic values, but aware of external threats such as political Islam and the threat of immigration with no interest in integrating into these European values. In 2040 Europe should have made a strong bet on increasing birth rates of the native/indigenous population to reverse the demographic winter and, coupled with that, a variety of housing access policies to make it easier for families to live in some economic comfort. Europe in 2040 should have opted for deregulation, the end of climate policies that prevent us from competing with other countries in the world and for economic liberalism and the reduction of states.

I lived in a country where corruption ruled over basic human decency; the economy was always put first and not in a responsible manner. The rest of the world was also losing it's mind; I questioned whether my children would ever live in the country I grew up in, or whether I'd have to find a place where the environment was given priority (I hoped there'd be a few left). I'm glad to say that change occured. The generations that came called out all the corrupt individuals governing our country, and gave the boot. The focused on preserving that natural wonders of the islands trying to regain it's former glory; making up for the atrocities the ones before us allowed. We are no longer over-populated and ill from the chemicals that filled out bodies because of our polluted air and water. Building restrictions were imposed. We've been using technology in the way it was meant to; improving our quality of life. All my worries and prayers have been answered. And I continue to pray that things will never be the way they once were.

I would really like my future and that of my children and grandchildren to look like this. That you can still have a safety net in the state. That you can be educated, get jobs, go to school, participate in studies and hospitals and the elderly and disabled are treated in a dignified human way. That doesn't mean you can't develop and take care of the climate and incorporate new ideas and thoughts. But you have to cherish the community, the community we have created together for generations, between nations. Otherwise, things will go wrong, and unfortunately we see that happening now. It creates a concern for everyone about the future.

I just turned 85 years old. I have already lived to see two great-grandchildren. They live together with my older son and granddaughter in Warsaw. I continue to live in the village where my sons were born, where they went to elementary and high school. My wife and I live together in our own apartment, near the Piast Castle right by the Oder River. Our health is good, we are fit, we are doing quite well. Despite my age, I still move around by car. We go shopping, to church for Sunday mass and to the nearby medical clinic. I still read a lot, and worthwhile items are delivered straight to our house by the lady from the neighborhood library. Every Sunday our younger son, who lives in Opole, visits us. It is good that technology has advanced so much that now there are such phones that are equipped with modern applications that watch over our health, that we can talk to loved ones and see each other. For the past 5 years, a family from Pakistan has been living in the apartment opposite us, and Egyptians live below us. We have already gotten used to them, they are nice and very helpful.