Predicting the Future and Reviving the Past
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential outcome of waking up in the year 2120, according to the passage?

  • Experiencing a world where everyone has the same occupation (correct)
  • Encountering a familiar society with minor changes
  • Finding a society significantly different from the present
  • Discovering a post-apocalyptic landscape
  • The passage suggests that the rate of change in a city is:

  • Always slowing down
  • Consistent across different aspects of life
  • Dependent on the specific area of observation (correct)
  • Always speeding up
  • According to the passage, what aspect of the future is the most difficult to predict?

  • Social trends (correct)
  • Technological advancements
  • Educational practices
  • Climate change impacts
  • The passage uses the metaphor of "re-igniting" to describe:

    <p>The resurgence of a passion or interest (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of mentioning "Counting Up to Twenty" by The Beach Boys in the passage?

    <p>It's an example of music that embodies the boundless optimism of the 20th century (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The passage suggests that the optimistic view of continuous progress in the 20th century is:

    <p>An idea that is still relevant to some thinkers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these options is the most likely reason why the passage focuses on "slice of life" as a theme?

    <p>To demonstrate the impact of time on everyday experiences (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following aspects is NOT explicitly discussed in the passage as a possible area of change between 1925 and the present?

    <p>Economic systems (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following empires attempted to revive a previous empire?

    <p>Carolingian Empire (A), Neo-Sovietism (B), Meiji Restoration (C), Song Dynasty (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following companies was brought back as a clothing brand in South Korea?

    <p>Pan Am (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a vintage technology that is enjoying a resurgence today?

    <p>all of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a reason why some products and brands become popular again after gathering dust for so long?

    <p>Technological advancements (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main idea of the section about de-extinction?

    <p>De-extinction is a new technology that can be used to bring back extinct products and brands, companies, species, artistic and musical styles. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following empires is NOT mentioned as an example of an empire that has been revived?

    <p>Roman Empire (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, what is a key difference between a core state and a periphery state?

    <p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a controlling state?

    <p>The United States (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The passage mentions that the return of Pan Am will be a sign of what?

    <p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following technologies is NOT mentioned as an example of a vintage technology that is enjoying a resurgence today?

    <p>Video game consoles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ancient divination technique is described as observing the flight of birds?

    <p>ornithomancy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following future-telling occupations is associated with reading the lines on a person's palm?

    <p>palmistry (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a futuristic technology that has not been widely adopted?

    <p>rocket mail (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following artworks critiques the idea of fortune-telling?

    <p>Caravaggio's The Fortune Teller (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a psychological phenomenon that can influence the perception of divination?

    <p>confirmation bias (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following terms refers to a deterministic philosophy that emphasizes the role of genetics in determining human behavior?

    <p>genetic determinism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a reliable not-quite scientific method of predicting the future?

    <p>Aztec agricultural calendar (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these futuristic technologies failed to achieve widespread adoption due to its high operating costs?

    <p>supersonic transport (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the prominent academic idea that suggested the end of conflicts between dictatorships and democracies in the 1990s?

    <p>End of History (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following songs reflects the optimistic outlook of the 1990s?

    <p>Scorpions - Wind of Change (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a term associated with the New Age movement that emphasizes personal growth and transformation?

    <p>Personal Empowerment (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ancient divination technique involved analyzing patterns in water?

    <p>hydromancy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following techniques used for predicting the future focuses on analyzing the shape of bones?

    <p>pyro-osteomancy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a practice that relies on observing the behavior of chickens?

    <p>alectryomancy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a term closely associated with the idea of predicting the future?

    <p>soothsayer (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a form of divination that utilizes the interpretation of dreams?

    <p>oneiromancy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an example of a 'mega project' in the text?

    <p>The Panama Canal (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's primary point about the Australian government's internet project?

    <p>It demonstrates the Australian government's ineffectiveness in planning and executing large projects. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a concern about the impact of social media as presented in the text?

    <p>The influence of social media on political discourse and the spread of misinformation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential consequence of the oversaturation of news and negative information?

    <p>A decrease in empathy and understanding for others. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The author suggests that the popularity of podcasts during the COVID-19 pandemic was a result of:

    <p>The need for companionship and connection during a time of social isolation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's main argument regarding the popularity of Nostradamus' prophecies?

    <p>It is a testament to the enduring power of human curiosity and the desire to know the future. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor potentially contributing to declining birth rates?

    <p>The decline in trust in government institutions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main point of the section discussing Japan's efforts to address loneliness?

    <p>To raise questions about the effectiveness and potential drawbacks of technology-based solutions for loneliness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The text uses the phrase "the best is yet to be" to represent:

    <p>A belief in the inevitability of progress and a positive future. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's primary point about the shift from 'mega projects' to incremental ones?

    <p>This shift is a result of governments' increasing focus on short-term gains over long-term vision. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does the author mention Charles Guiteau's obsession with James Garfield?

    <p>To highlight the psychological impact of parasocial relationships on individuals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's primary argument regarding the responsibility for promoting harmful content on social media?

    <p>Social media platforms have a responsibility to moderate their content and prevent the spread of harmful material. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The text suggests that a potential solution to the issue of loneliness lies in:

    <p>Developing technologies that create more personalized and meaningful connections. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of the UN Development Programme's findings about declining living conditions in 90% of countries?

    <p>Further declines in birth rates and a shrinking global population. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The content suggests that the impact of podcasts on society is:

    <p>Uncertain, with potential for both positive and negative consequences on society. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Rip Van Winkle

    A character who slept for a hundred years, experiencing minimal health impacts.

    Slice of life

    A narrative style depicting everyday experiences and realities.

    Rate of change

    The speed at which changes occur in society or technology.

    Re-ignite

    To revive interest or passion in a project or cause after a break.

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    Burning metaphor

    Describes passionate engagement or intensity related to ideas or causes.

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    Future predictions

    Estimating potential changes or developments in society by a specific year.

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    Moore's Law

    The observation that computing power tends to double approximately every two years.

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    Global Round

    Part of a competition that tests students in various subjects and skills.

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    Pessimistic Age

    A period characterized by negative outlooks on the future, often leading to anxiety about upcoming challenges.

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    Robert Browning's Quote

    The phrase 'The best is yet to be,' implies hope for future possibilities.

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    Social Distancing and Loneliness

    A situation where individuals feel isolated, often exacerbated by reduced social interactions.

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    Megaprojects

    Large-scale public works or infrastructure projects often prone to delays and budget issues.

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    Underpromise and Overdeliver

    A strategy where one sets lower expectations to potentially exceed them, fostering trust.

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    Parasocial Relationships

    One-sided relationships where one person feels connected to someone they do not know personally, often through media.

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    Nostradamus

    A 16th-century seer known for his predictions about the future, whose reputation remains today.

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    Podcasts vs Radio

    Podcasts are modern, accessible audio formats that differ from traditional radio in style and reach.

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    Loneliness Epidemic

    A widespread issue where many individuals report feeling lonely, recognized as a global health threat.

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    Declining Birth Rates

    A trend where fewer children are being born, influenced by various social and economic factors.

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    Government's Role in Information

    The debate over whether authorities should limit negative news to protect mental health.

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    Diminishing Living Conditions

    A scenario where living standards decrease, impacting quality of life and societal growth.

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    Reviving Old Trends

    The act of bringing back past institutions or products that have faded from popularity.

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    Hope for the Future

    The belief or anticipation that upcoming events will have positive outcomes despite current challenges.

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    Divination

    The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown.

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    Horoscopy

    A form of astrology that interprets a person's life through their birth chart.

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    Alectryomancy

    A form of divination using a rooster to interpret answers.

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    Cold Reading

    A technique used by fortune tellers to gather information without prior knowledge.

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    Barnum Effect

    The tendency for people to believe vague generalities apply to them personally.

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    Free Will vs Determinism

    The debate on whether our choices are self-made or predetermined.

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    Planetary Influence on Agriculture

    Using celestial movements to guide agricultural practices like planting and harvesting.

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    The Second Coming

    A poem by Yeats that explores themes of chaos and prophecy about the future.

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    Tasseography

    Divination using tea leaves, interpreting patterns in the remnants left after drinking.

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    Physiognomy

    The assessment of a person's character or personality from their facial features.

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    Oneiromancy

    Divination through dreams, interpreting their meanings to foretell the future.

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    I Ching

    An ancient Chinese divination text used to give guidance and predict outcomes.

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    Cartomancy

    A form of divination using a deck of cards to reveal answers or predict the future.

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    Astrology

    The study of celestial bodies' positions and movements to interpret human affairs.

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    Future-telling careers

    Occupations that involve predicting or interpreting future events, like fortune telling and astrology.

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    Filofei's Proposal

    The idea that Russia could be the 'third Rome' in the 16th century.

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    Unipolarity

    A global power structure with one dominant power.

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    Multipolarity

    A global power structure with multiple influential powers.

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    Soft Power

    Influence through attraction rather than coercion.

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    Hard Power

    Influence through coercive means, such as military force.

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    Neo-Assyrian Empire

    An ancient empire known for its military prowess and administrative efficiency.

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    Meiji Restoration

    The period in Japan (1868-1912) that restored imperial rule and modernized the nation.

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    Librarians in Civilization

    Discussing if librarians would be suitable for restoring civilization.

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    De-extinction of Brands

    Reviving brands that have failed in the past, like Pan Am.

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    Vintage Technology Resurgence

    The comeback of older technologies driven by nostalgia and trends.

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    Study Notes

    Predicting the Future

    • The impact of a hundred-year sleep on health is surprisingly minimal.
    • Predicting a 10-year future is easier than a 100-year, focusing on readily observable changes.
    • Everyday life significantly differs between 1825, 1925, and today.

    Re-Igniting Passion and Projects

    • Re-ignition of passions or projects is different from initial ignition.
    • Re-ignition is often preferable when pursuing a second chance at a goal.
    • Factors causing re-ignition include circumstances and new zeal.
    • Circumstances and personal motivations can re-ignite interest in projects.

    Optimism and Pessimism About the Future

    • Early 20th-century forecasts tended to be optimistic about progress.
    • Modern perspectives often express pessimism concerning the future.
    • The phrase "the best is yet to be" evokes an optimistic view, contrasting with pessimism.

    Reviving the Past

    • Musical bands, TV shows, and products can experience revivals.
    • Individuals can get a second chance at a new or revived life (e.g. incarceration).
    • Some old restaurants and companies could be revived.

    Failures and Re-imaginings in Government Projects

    • Government projects frequently under-promise and under-deliver (e.g., Australian internet project).
    • Mega-projects can significantly affect public perception of progress.
    • Some countries might perform more consistently than others in project success.

    Loneliness as a Global Health Concern

    • Loneliness is a significant global health issue, highlighted by the World Health Organization in 2023.
    • Solutions for loneliness vary around the world, including technological approaches.

    World Population and Its Uncertain Future

    • The UN Development Programme reports a decline in living conditions in 90% of countries (2021).
    • This decline has implications for population growth, and for potential future booms.

    The Impact of Podcasts

    • Podcasts grew in popularity during the COVID-19 lockdown.
    • Podcasts are now seen as a distinct medium differing from conventional radio.
    • Impact of podcasts (differing significantly if considered 10-years in the future).

    The Effects of Social Media

    • Social media frequently boosts engagement with content, possibly harmful.
    • Harmful content on social media can impact mental health.
    • Algorithmic curation can be a significant factor influencing the nature of social interactions.

    Limits on Information Consumption

    • Over-saturation of news can impact mental health.
    • Possible regulatory intervention to limit the news consumption.

    Divination and Predicting the Future

    • Methods of divination have been prominent since ancient times.
    • Historical divination methods include astrology, comparative horoscopy, haruspicy and others.
    • Some divination methods are more reliable in predicting events, whilst others are based solely on subjective analysis.

    Future-Telling Careers

    • Careers in future-telling exist, including palmistry, physiognomy, and fortune-telling.
    • Regulation of future-telling careers remains a question.

    Predictions by Theoretical Physicists

    • Michio Kaku is a theoretical physicist who predicted future events using theoretical physics.
    • His predictions (Kaku's) are worth investigating.

    Art and Music Depicting Future Events

    • Artists and musicians have often portrayed future events in their works (e.g. paintings and music.)
    • Themes in art concerning divination often reflect nuanced sentiments toward the future (celebration and criticism).

    The Resurgence of Divination

    • Divination methods, for example cold reading, remain a popular phenomenon.
    • People might seek out divination methods to discover patterns and insights into the future.
    • The popularity of divination could be influenced by popular trends and viral interest.

    Free Will and Determinism

    • The debate about free will versus determinism is an ancient question.
    • This philosophical question discusses whether humans have true free will in the choice they make.

    Reliable Methods of Predicting the Future

    • Some non-scientific methods have a demonstrably reliable and consistent basis, such as the Chinese agricultural and other calendars.
    • Observational methods and historical records might be a more reliable approach toward predicting future events.

    Failed Futuristic Technologies

    • Technologies, like rocket mail and flying cars, have not fulfilled initial expectations of popularity and success.
    • Technological predictions might fall short in various contexts.
    • The 1990s marked an optimistic period, particularly in popular culture and academia.
    • Popular culture expressed hope for the future in various artistic contexts.

    New Age Movement

    • The New Age movement of the late 20th century re-introduced interest in metaphysical ideas.
    • New Age ideas often emphasize connection, healing, and transformation.

    Geopolitical Second Chances

    • Empires and civilizations may rise and fall repeatedly.
    • Studying past instances of imperial revival offers valuable perspectives on similar events.

    Librarian Utopia

    • The concept of librarians as civilizers is an intriguing and speculative idea.

    Reviving Companies and Brands

    • Some prominent companies have revived after periods of inactivity.
    • A trend of re-branding and re-imagining vintage technologies in popular culture.

    Why do Old Products/Brands Re-emerge?

    • Some products and brands gain popularity after a period of irrelevance or failure, this is often due to trends or changing preferences.

    Reviving Artistic and Musical Works

    • Artistic and musical works can be revived in popular culture.

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    Description

    Explore the fascinating contrasts between historical perspectives on the future and the contemporary focus on re-igniting passions and projects. This quiz delves into optimism versus pessimism about the future, as well as the cultural phenomenon of revivals. Engage with thought-provoking insights on change and continuity through time.

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