Happy New Simulation Cycle!
He turns down the train seat’s workspace and stretches with a yawn.
- Come again?
- Are you done yet? We’re almost there.
- No. I’ll need ten more minutes once we’re there.
She smirks, feeling the train’s turn shift them gently against their seats.
- Do you need help?
He glances toward the aisle.
- Do you want to help?
- Only if it helps you finish faster. I still need to drag the kids from the gaming car.
- Ok. I want a snappy way to wish everyone a happy new year.
- Hmm. Feeding text to an avatar takes you so long?
- No, I’m doing it live. My students would be making fun of me for the whole semester.
- What are your options?
- “May your timeline optimise for maximum joy”.
- Too deterministic and pretentious.
- “May your next orbital period exceed all performance metrics!”
- Promptentious AI slop.
- “Happy New Simulation Cycle!”
She looks into the window processing.
- Hmm. This is questionable, but I kinda like it.
- I don’t want to add to the “Question everything” narrative. All progress of any civilisation is built on trust.
- Not everything. Just the thing. And in a good way.
- But the simulation hypothesis?
She shrugs.
- Since those breakthroughs, everybody’s been joking about the simulation. If it keeps us hopeful, why not? We’re confined to the metaphors of our time. Plato used a cave to describe experiencing reality. Newton thought of the universe as a clock. Metamorphism. Technology is what makes us human.
- When you put it that way, I like it too.
He strikes a dramatic pose, multiplied by the window’s reflection.
- The world is yours to discover, and the cosmos is yours to explore. May the universe align in your favour this year. We need to keep the future bright…
He concludes with a soft wink at their kids, who stand behind their mother, making shushing gestures. Their mother rolls her eyes and gets up, switching the seat to space-saving mode.
- I’ll get the kids.
She gets scared when their kids jump as she turns. The station announces the train slowly rolling onto the platform with lights and sound. They walk out through projected signs detailing connections and station facilities. The train recites pleasantries for the passengers, and the sound follows them until they step out on the platform. A couple in matching sweaters enthusiastically waves at them.
- Welcome back!
They exchange hugs in the middle of the crowded platform’s bustle.
- Do you have more bags?
- No, we only travel with my credit card.
They laugh at the old joke and form a group. Cool, crisp winter air greets them as they step outside the brick station building next to a kiss-and-ride lane.
- Excellent. Our transport is over there.
The transport opens its side, welcoming the passengers as they settle. Once everyone is comfortable, the ambience glow flickers as the side closes, accompanied by a slurping sound of pressurisation.
He leans towards her ear.
- Well, even if it is all a simulation, at least it’s cosy.
- Cosy indeed, and I wouldn't reset it for anything.
Their transport rolls out and merges into the holiday traffic.
Hello Practical Futurists,
Welcome back from the future, where trains have cars for all types of passengers, but coming up with original wishes is as hard as ever.
Hit the "Like" button at the top or bottom of this page to inspire others and help them discover the stories you've enjoyed.Good leaders don't just wait for the future.
They help to create it.
Thank you for your continuous support and dedication to envisioning a better future with us.
Let's dive into our weekly workout, where we use futures thinking and product sci-fi to build a future-proof mindset.
To spark your imagination, we'll start with an inspiring quote:
Let's connect this story to your personal life to make it more relatable and engaging.
Personal life reflection prompts:
What new type of train car would be your favourite?
Which two 2 metaphors do you keep using all the time? What makes them so useful?
What technology surprised you by making your life more human, not less?
When was the last time your mental models about technology shifted completely? What caused this shift?
How do you explain technological progress to different generations? Which explanation works best?
If you could wish one thing to everyone, what would it be?
That was great!
Let's fire up your thinking to the organisational level now.
It’s time to explore professional applications in the context of the industry, team, service, or product you're working with.
Professional life reflection prompts
What metaphors from your work have changed the way you see everyday life?
In what 3 ways can you help your team see old problems in new ways?
What outdated metaphors might be holding your industry back?
How do you know when a new tool improves your thinking versus limiting it?
What 2 skills do you plan on using despite potential automation?
What two problems in your field resist technological solutions?
How do you prepare your team for tools that don't exist yet?
Great work!
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You did amazing! We did amazing!
What a year it was!
49 short product sci-fi stories with reflection prompts!
This is my ranking:
The most personal:
After my 15-year-old dog was diagnosed with cancer, writing this story became a deeply comforting way to process the news.
The most researched:
The story was nearly delayed because I fell down a fascinating research rabbit hole exploring conductive tattoos, e-ink implants, and more.
The most popular:
The story's metrics were strong enough to give me the confidence to submit it for the Lunar Awards.
Whether or not we live in a simulation, have an amazing new year!
Thank you for expanding your imagination with us.
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