By 2040, we leave behind neoliberal policies and move towards economic and political organization in support of the common good. Meaning: more equal distribution, limits to growth (of individual companies), fair taxation and curbing practices that lead to exaggerated pursuit of self-interest to the detriment of economic equality and the environment. I would like to see a stronger European government, that is less influenced by lobbying and breaking away from particracy and ideological dogma's. Also, central banks should be governed by democratically chosen representatives, instead of anonymous economists and officials. As a society we move beyond the neoliberal hegemony that sells us ideas of absolute individual freedom, which leads - I believe - to egoism and the pursuit of individual wealth. Our culture will be centered more around the interests of the community and human values.

A future where humans live in harmony with nature, and where sustainability is not connected to economic growth and development, but human and environmental well-being. I wish to see a future where governance is fair and sustainable, and reflects the human interconnectedness with nature. Nature should not be the backdrop against which human activities develop.

I would like that in 2040 we have more resources available than today (not less, as some progress haters try to convince the people of), people have higher purchasing power, the US is gone from Europe and democratic freedoms are upheld and expanded (no such things as vax passes, arbitrary anti-free speech laws or handling of ordinary citizens like criminals). Authoritarianism is on the rise and unfortunately the people are accepting it out of fear for their health, which has served for politicians in power to seize the opportunity to erode the democratic process. Citizens' reaction is being like the slow-cooking frog fable: while thinking it's in a comfortable hot spring, in reality slowly cooking over a gentle burning fire after a while, the frog realises that it's being cooked, but it's already too late to jump from the pot.

A future where people recognize others as human beings, with feelings, hopes, pains and joys just like themselves. No matter if they have a different skin colour, they come from beyond the borders, they have different values or different beliefs. If this came true, solidarity would be our daily bread and people would think critacally instead of retweeting the latest fake news as it was the truth that will change the world’s destiny. In this further there would be a compulsory civil service for all, aimed at exploring diversity. Education would be focused on learning to learn, giving knowledge, skills but also attitudes, especially openness towards possible alternatives to what is known, thus comfortable . Healthcare would be holistic and integrate care and well being to cures. Public services would serve people and not tick the box of solved tickets. People would find meaning in their jobs, because jobs would be prevented from being harmful to people or the planet. In my future people nations will cooperate because the common good is greater than gaining advantage over the neighbor.