top of page

Später

Anonymous

March 19, 2025

Später

This image was generated with Dream Studio AI.

Oh yes, luckily everything turned out well again. Back then, my dear granddaughter, things looked bad in Germany and the world. The only really nice thing in 2025 was your birth. Oh, how happy we were. And we are still happy for you and your brother and your two cousins, who were born a little later. But you wanted to know what it was like back then. Back then, we had to vote at short notice in Germany, there were quarrels within the old government. And then the shock - because the elections didn't turn out as originally expected. There was a lot of trouble within the parties, one party was so divided that it disbanded. What a stroke of luck for humanity and especially for Germany. Yes, I know you shake your head at so much stupidity today, but people were actually dissatisfied and therefore backed the wrong horse. Back then, there was a war between Russia and Ukraine. Fortunately for all of us, a ceasefire was initially achieved with the help of Europe. The President of the United States at the time, who had no idea about politics, almost triggered the Third World War. But then Europe came together and formed a strong unit, which didn't impress the president very much. You shouldn't speak ill of the dead, but in this case it was the best thing that could have happened to the world, because this man suffered a heart attack and died before he could do any worse. At last something changed for the better in the world and in Germany, too, tax money was no longer wasted. I could tell you stories about the nonsensical things cities and municipalities did with tax money. But you wouldn't believe that. It's also too far-fetched. But now, look how nice the cities look, lots of greenery and little car traffic in the city centers. Isn't it also nice that everyone can borrow a very small e-car instead of an e-scooter to get around town? And it can even be folded up, like mini folding bikes used to be. But you don't even know them anymore. This tiny e-car doesn't go fast, so you can drive it without a license. The car industry, which was almost at the end of its tether back then, has changed tack. And look at these wheelchairs that follow patients around. That's a delight. Now even sick and old people can walk a few steps and then sit down again. And in your school everything is digital, no more 1000 copies, although you had books, but I still think it's great that the books have remained in paper form. It's also wonderful that the daily newspapers still exist. It's incredibly nice that you were taught at school how important it is to get information in a serious way. And it's great that social media is only available from the age of 18. And people now take a closer look and don't spread as much crap as they did 15 years ago. But the best thing of all is that wars and unrest in the world are a thing of the past. Instead of rattling sabres, people talk to each other, instead of just having their cell phones in front of their eyes (and that was actually the case. Some people couldn't be without their cell phones for an hour), people talk and discuss and play.

related stories

hallo
Es ist besser in Frieden und Harmonie zu leben als rechten Hetzern nachzulaufen
It's early morning in the year 2040 and the chip implanted in my brain wakes me up at the appointed time. I wash up and have breakfast before taking the bus to work. There is no more private transport. Instead, I hear birds singing and see butterflies flying from flower to flower. It's hard to believe that my grandparents destroyed the environment with so much energy 20 years ago. As if they wanted to rob their children of their future. I am glad that everything turned out differently. Back then, far-right forces took over the government in many countries. After they left behind a shambles and also abolished democracies, they were sent packing by popular uprisings around the world. This was followed by an era of peace and freedom. An intact environment is now important to us, we have learned this lesson. And this era is still going on. Hopefully the old days will never, ever return.
hallo
Il mondo che vorrei
In 2040, medicine is technologically advanced, pollution is greatly reduced. There are no limits and barriers, all men are equal, whether black or white. Women have the same rights and possibilities as men. Respect for every living being prevails.
hallo
Kurztrip zum Mond
I imagine that in 2025 I will be able to take a spontaneous day trip to the moon with my family. There we can experience the wonders of weightlessness and enjoy a fantastic view of the blue planet, our home, from above. Such a short break far above our usual hemisphere is a very special experience.
hallo
Ein Tag im Europa des Jahres 2050
The morning sun bathes the Berlin skyline in a golden light. I open the windows of my energy self-sufficient apartment - built from recycled materials, climate-neutral and fully connected. My personal AI assistant suggests sustainable options for the day: An appointment with an international team in a virtual conference environment, followed by a visit to the urban garden on the roof of our apartment complex. Europe has changed fundamentally since 2025. The transition to a circular economy has been accelerated by political decisions and fossil fuels have long been a thing of the past. Thanks to new technologies and AI-supported automation, society is more flexible and fairer. Education is digital, individualized and available throughout life. Social security systems guarantee a decent life for all. Vehicles drive silently and autonomously on the roads. Public transportation is free, financed by a Europe-wide digital tax. The air is clean, green parks dot the cities. I meet up with friends in a café where food waste no longer exists - everything is used sustainably. As I enjoy the view, I think about the challenges that Europe has overcome: Climate change, social inequality and economic disruption. But by acting together, we have created a future that is more sustainable, fairer and more liveable - for all Europeans.
Join #OurFutures now!

The future is shaped by our ideas and our actions today. Tell us about your visions of the future and help us create a futures narrative aimed at inspiring citizens, policy-makers and foresight experts alike!

OURfutures.png

The European Commission support does not constitute endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained.

ERA_logo.jpg

We support the European Research Area aimed at creating a single, borderless market for research, innovation and technology in the EU.

©OurFutures 2025, All rights reserved.

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
bottom of page