“For the first time in the history of mankind, one generation literally has the power to destroy the past, the present and the future, the power to bring time to an end.”
The future is equal parts promise and uncertainty. These quotes explore what lies ahead — technology, progress, hope, anxiety — and the uncomfortable truth that the future is being built right now by the choices we make today.
“Look how many millions of people are underemployed or have lost their jobs. The last thing I'm going to do is play politics with their future.”
“For the first time in the history of mankind, one generation literally has the power to destroy the past, the present and the future, the power to bring time to an end.”
“Not only our future economic soundness but the very soundness of our democratic institutions depends on the determination of our government to give employment to idle men.”
“Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future.”
“Words matter, especially words defining complicated political arrangements, because they shape perceptions of the events of the past, attitudes toward policies being carried out in the present, and expectations about desirable directions for the future.”
“We need to give the Iraqis a chance to build their own future. It should be in their hands. It must be in their hands. That is what democracy is all about. We can teach it, we can explain it, but they must want it enough to make it work for them.”
“Nobody gets to live life backward. Look ahead, that is where your future lies.”
“You can get your money and you put it in the bank, or you can put it in the youth. You can put it in our future.”
“The only thing we know about the future is that it will be different.”
“The future is going to be boring. The suburbanisation of the planet will continue, and the suburbanisation of the soul will follow soon after.”
“Head Start's ability to improve the educational skills and opportunities of Latino children will be an important component of America's future success.”
“Do your duty and a little more and the future will take care of itself.”
“Why not invest in the future of music, instead of building fortresses to preserve its past?”
“Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window.”
“Clearly, some creative thinking is badly needed if humans are to have a future beyond Earth. Returning to the Moon may be worthy and attainable, but it fails to capture the public's imagination. What does get people excited is the prospect of a mission to Mars.”
“The politics of partisanship and the resulting inaction and excuses have paralyzed decision-making, primarily at the federal level, and the big issues of the day are not being addressed, leaving our future in jeopardy.”