700 Years From Now: How Will Our Current Societal Faults Reflect Back on Us?

As we look ahead to the year 2723 (700 years from now), it's intriguing to think about how people of that time might view us modern humans. Will we be seen as garments of progress or as cautionary tales of our wasted opportunities? Will they marvel at our technological advancements, or will they instead be reminded of the many ways we failed to address the daunting challenges that loomed on the horizon?

Climate Change: A Historical Turning Point

The year 2723 may well see the full ramifications of the climate we generated in the 21st century. Our descendants may look back at our time as one of profound negligence, where the warnings of leading scientists were ignored, and the consequences of inaction were amplified. If future historians choose to assign us blame, they might view our era as a deeply flawed period in human history, characterized by the understandable yet catastrophic delay in implementing meaningful climate policies.

Societal Faults: Flaws in Our Moral Compass

Future generations might reconsider the moral and ethical decisions made by political figures, corporate giants, and everyday citizens alike. They could view those such as Putin, Biden, Xi, and Trudeau not just as leaders, but as part of a larger narrative of complacency and greed. These figures can be seen as either the forerunners of a future catastrophe or as tragic figures who failed to change the course of history.

Climate Change Congregation: The Unforgiven

There may be a sense of disgust among future historians regarding the political figures who anchored their policies on a false belief that personal gain, particularly economic, would outweigh the greater good of the planet. They may view the climate change deniers and inaction as one of the gravest errors in human history. Future generations might ask, 'Who are we to prioritize our short-term interests over the long-term survival of our planet?'

Masks, Isolation and Bacterial Control

Those aspiring to a future with a higher quality of life may look back at the mask and isolation advocates of our era with disdain. They may question why we, with all our current knowledge, could not rise to the occasion and find more compassionate and long-lasting solutions. They may also remember the me too and Black Lives Matter movements as the start of a more assertive and inclusive world for marginalized communities. They may even blame us for the growing divide and the polarizing nature of social and political discourse.

Modern Societal Flaws Under the Microscope

Future historians might cast a critical eye on the current societal and economic realities of our time. For example, the fact that young people were priced out of the housing market due to corporate greed might be seen as a callous and unfeeling decision. The widening gap between the rich and the poor could be described as a form of systemic oppression, where the wealthy continue to benefit from the labor of the less fortunate.

Fiscal Policy and Market Regulation

Current debates on deregulation and fiscal policy may be revisited, with future generations viewing them as examples of short-sighted thinking. The focus on Wall Street instead of creating a more equitable and just economy might be seen as a major mistake, one that left the majority of the population with little to show for it.

Political and Sociopolitical Reflection

The election of figures such as Donald Trump and his subsequent actions could be remembered as the dark period that nearly destroyed the heart of America. The political polarization and the way in which some chose to sow dissent and division could be seen as a turning point in modern history. January 6th, 2021, may be remembered as the day when the very foundations of democracy appeared to crumble.

BLM and MeToo Movements: Changing the Landscape

Future generations may view the Black Lives Matter (BLM) and MeToo movements as the spark that ignited lasting change. They may praise these uprisings for paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society, one that recognizes and empowers marginalized communities. The fight for justice, from racial equality to gender rights, may be seen as the catalyst for a more just future.

Public Health and Social Responsibility

Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to be scrutinized in great detail by future generations. Their analysis may include questions about how we failed to come together as a global community during a crisis. They may also question the discrepancies in how different regions and countries handled the pandemic, highlighting the failures in communication, resource allocation, and public health policies.

Lessons Learned and Future Prospects

The potential conflict in Ukraine may be a complex and ongoing story in 2723. The handling of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the lessons learned from the conflict could shape future international relations. If the world community does not act in ways that foster respect and cooperation, future generations might see our actions as insufficient and shortsighted.

It is ultimately a matter of perspective—and perhaps the pursuit of historical wisdom—to reflect on the future. Whether we are seen as a cautionary tale of hubris or a successful beacon of progress, the lessons of our actions will be imprinted for generations to come.