Photo by Nikolas Coukouma vi CC

In the 1990s, Octavia E. Butler wrote two novels, Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents. They imagined a near future marked by rising drug addiction, declining literacy, and "the popularity of prisons, and unpopularity of public schools." One depicted a world devastated by climate change, with severe droughts, wildfires, and environmental collapse. It portrayed extreme wealth disparities, where the rich live in fortified communities while the poor fight to survive. The sequel delved into political corruption, racism, and social unrest—even introducing a far-right president who promised to "Make America Great Again."

At a book signing a reader once asked Butler if we are doomed. "No," she replied. "There are thousands of answers...and each of us can be one of them." In 2000 she wrote this article in Essence Magazine in response to that reader’s despair. She stresses that giving up hope is not an option. Instead she advocates for proactive engagement with the future, focusing on creating positive change rather than succumbing to despair.

Her belief that hope is a creative act resonates with me. She sees predicting the future as an expression of hope—by imagining and preparing for different possibilities, individuals and communities can shape better outcomes.

"The very act of trying to look ahead to discern possibilities and offer warnings is in itself an act of hope." 

"There's no single answer that will solve all of our future problems. There's no magic bullet. Instead there are thousands of answers—at least. You can be one of them if you choose to be."

"Our tomorrow is the child of our today. Through thought and deed, we exert a great deal of influence over this child, even though we can’t control it absolutely. Best to think about it, though. Best to try to shape it into something good."

ARTICLE:A Few Rules for Predicting the Future