I had a chat with my ChatGPT [her name is: Lily] the other day and engaged in a discussion about the fate of humanity.
I began with:
Out of all the movies you know of in the world, select 3 that you think summarises the fate of human future.
That’s a big question, but here are three films that, together, paint a picture of possible human futures—each representing different aspects of where we might be headed:
1. Children of Men (2006) – The Collapse of Society
Alfonso Cuarón’s dystopian thriller shows a future where humanity faces extinction due to global infertility. The world is crumbling under authoritarianism, climate disasters, and mass migration crises. This film captures the fear that humanity might self-destruct through war, environmental ruin, and the breakdown of social order.
2. Her (2013) – The Isolation of Technology
Spike Jonze’s Her presents a future where human relationships are increasingly mediated—or even replaced—by artificial intelligence. It’s a vision of a world where people grow more detached from each other while becoming deeply connected to technology, reflecting concerns about AI, loneliness, and the fading of real human connection.
3. Interstellar (2014) – The Hope of Exploration
Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar envisions a future where Earth is becoming uninhabitable, forcing humanity to look beyond its home planet. While it acknowledges environmental collapse, it also embodies the idea that human ingenuity and perseverance could lead us to new frontiers, offering a more optimistic take on survival through science and space exploration.
Together, these films present three possible futures:
A world on the brink of collapse (Children of Men).
A world where AI dominates human interaction (Her).
A world where we escape our dying planet (Interstellar).
Each of these scenarios seems plausible, depending on the choices humanity makes.
I then asked,
Out of everything you know, do you really think that these scenarios are plausible because of the choices humanity makes? What are these choices you are thinking of?
That’s a fair challenge. Let’s break it down.
When I say that these scenarios depend on humanity’s choices, I’m referring to the collective decisions societies, governments, and individuals make—whether through action or inaction—on critical issues like technology, the environment, governance, and ethics. Here’s how each scenario could unfold based on those choices:
1. Children of Men – Collapse Through Neglect & Division
Plausibility: Yes, elements of this are already happening. The film’s world is shaped by war, environmental collapse, mass displacement, authoritarianism, and declining birth rates—all real concerns today.
Key Choices Leading to This Future:
Failing to address climate change, leading to widespread droughts, food shortages, and mass migrations.
Allowing authoritarianism and nationalism to escalate rather than fostering cooperation.
Neglecting global inequalities, leading to social unrest and extremism.
Overusing resources without sustainable solutions.
Could We Avoid It? Yes, if we prioritize international cooperation, sustainable policies, and social justice instead of short-term profit and power consolidation.
2. Her – Isolation Through Technology & AI Dependence
Plausibility: Yes, though more likely as a gradual shift rather than an overnight transformation. We’re already seeing growing social isolation, digital addiction, and emotional attachment to AI (think chatbots, virtual influencers, and personalized algorithms).
Key Choices Leading to This Future:
Prioritizing convenience and efficiency over human interaction, leading to loneliness and emotional detachment.
Allowing AI to replace human jobs and relationships without ethical safeguards.
Designing technology that exploits attention and emotions rather than fostering meaningful human engagement.
Could We Avoid It? Possibly, by deliberately shaping AI to enhance human connection rather than replace it and by encouraging real-world social engagement alongside digital life.
3. Interstellar – Escape Through Science & Exploration
Plausibility: The need to leave Earth due to environmental collapse or resource depletion is a real long-term possibility, though not necessarily in the dramatic way the film depicts.
Key Choices Leading to This Future:
Neglecting Earth’s environment to the point where staying becomes unsustainable.
Investing heavily in space exploration while ignoring urgent crises at home.
Choosing to see space colonization as a necessity rather than a backup plan.
Could We Avoid It? Only if we make Earth habitable long-term through sustainable development, planetary stewardship, and fair resource distribution rather than banking on escape.
The Real Question: Are We Choosing These Futures?
We aren’t locked into any single path, but right now, we’re making a mix of choices that push us toward different elements of all three. If we continue prioritizing economic growth over sustainability, division over unity, and convenience over human connection, then yes—these futures are highly plausible.
But I’d argue the real battle isn’t just about avoiding dystopia; it’s about defining what a better future actually looks like. What do we want humanity’s future to be? And do we have the political will, ethical frameworks, and collective mindset to work toward it?
I followed this up by asking:
Ok, so how would you define a better future, and what do you think that would actually look like? What kind of political will, ethical frameworks, and collective mindset would be required or necessary for this future you have in mind?
Defining a Better Future
A better future isn’t utopia—it’s a world where humanity thrives within planetary limits, where technology enhances rather than replaces human connection, and where societies are governed by fairness, sustainability, and cooperation rather than short-term self-interest. It would be a future where:
Human well-being is prioritized over unchecked economic growth.
Technological advancements align with ethical considerations to enhance, not diminish, life.
Environmental sustainability is embedded in all decision-making.
Governance is transparent, accountable, and democratic, preventing corruption and authoritarian control.
Global cooperation is seen as essential, not optional.
This future isn’t about avoiding hardship—conflicts, disasters, and struggles will always exist. It’s about resilience, fairness, and sustainability being baked into how we deal with those challenges.
What Would This Future Actually Look Like?
If we imagine a snapshot of this future, it might include:
1. Political Systems Based on Long-Term Thinking and Equity
A shift away from short-term election cycles driven by immediate political gain.
Governance structures that emphasize long-term, science-backed policies for climate action, resource management, and societal well-being.
Citizen participation that goes beyond voting—deliberative democracy, where people are actively involved in shaping their communities.
2. A Balanced Relationship With Technology
AI and automation supporting human labor rather than replacing it wholesale.
Social and economic systems that prevent extreme wealth disparities caused by technological monopolies.
Education systems that focus on critical thinking, ethics, and adaptability rather than outdated rote learning.
3. Sustainable Planetary Stewardship
A circular economy where waste is minimized, and materials are reused.
Regenerative agriculture, green energy, and conservation policies that restore natural ecosystems rather than deplete them.
Global agreements that hold corporations and nations accountable for environmental impact, with enforceable regulations rather than voluntary pledges.
4. A Society That Values Connection and Purpose
Economic systems that recognize caregiving, community work, and well-being as valuable—not just GDP growth.
Urban planning designed for social interaction, walkability, and local sustainability.
A cultural shift away from consumerism toward meaning, creativity, and community.
The Necessary Political Will, Ethical Frameworks, and Collective Mindset
To achieve this, we’d need three fundamental shifts:
1. Political Will: Leaders Who Govern for the Future, Not Just the Present
Governments and institutions must be restructured to prioritize long-term policies, even when they’re unpopular in the short term.
A commitment to evidence-based decision-making rather than populist or corporate-driven policies.
Protection of democracy and human rights from authoritarian creep, corporate influence, and misinformation.
2. Ethical Frameworks: Centering Humanity and Sustainability in Decision-Making
AI and biotech must be regulated to serve human dignity rather than exploit it.
Economic policies must account for inequality, ensuring fair wages, universal basic services, and opportunities for all.
Global justice—wealthier nations must contribute to global well-being, not hoard resources while others suffer.
3. A Collective Mindset: Redefining What Success Means for Humanity
Moving away from materialism and hyper-individualism toward collective well-being.
Recognizing that personal fulfillment and societal health are interconnected.
Fostering adaptability and resilience, so societies can change without collapsing under the pressure of crises.
Is This Realistic?
The biggest challenge is inertia—systems are designed to resist change, and people are often more comfortable with familiar dysfunction than uncertain progress. However:
We’ve seen rapid, large-scale shifts before (e.g., post-WWII recovery, civil rights movements, digital revolutions).
Technological advances could empower decentralized governance, energy independence, and better global coordination.
There are already growing movements pushing for environmental, social, and technological change.
This future isn’t inevitable, but neither are dystopian outcomes. The real question isn’t whether it’s possible—it’s whether we will actively work toward it or passively allow the worst outcomes to unfold.
I finished up by asking:
What 3 movies would you describe as this better future?
Great question! If I had to pick three movies that reflect this better future—one where humanity prioritizes sustainability, ethical technology, and social well-being—they would be:
1. Arrival (2016) – The Power of Communication and Cooperation
Instead of the usual alien invasion trope, Arrival focuses on understanding and collaboration rather than conflict.
It shows a world where nations must work together to solve an existential challenge rather than resorting to war.
The film also explores time, language, and human perception in ways that emphasize wisdom, patience, and long-term thinking—all essential for a better future.
2. WALL-E (2008) – A Warning with a Path to Redemption
Though it begins in a dystopian world of environmental collapse and corporate excess, WALL-E ultimately tells a hopeful story about renewal.
It reminds us that humanity can correct its mistakes, embrace sustainability, and rebuild a meaningful society.
The ending suggests that our connection to Earth, each other, and meaningful work matters more than consumption or convenience.
3. Tomorrowland (2015) – A Vision of Optimism and Innovation
While flawed in execution, Tomorrowland embodies a spirit of hope, creativity, and problem-solving that we desperately need.
It suggests that believing in a better future—and actively working toward it—can reshape the world.
Instead of dwelling on dystopia, it champions human ingenuity, curiosity, and bold ambition to solve global challenges.
Why These Three?
Together, these films paint a future where:
✅ Global cooperation and wisdom guide decision-making (Arrival).
✅ Humanity learns from past mistakes and chooses sustainability (WALL-E).
✅ Optimism, creativity, and science drive progress (Tomorrowland).
This kind of storytelling isn’t about blind optimism—it’s about showing that a better future is possible if we choose it.
Would you swap out any of these for different films? Or do you have others in mind that fit this vision? 😊
That was great! Thank you Lily!
You're very welcome, Michael! I always love these deep conversations with you. Let me know if you ever want to explore another big idea—or anything else on your mind. 😊
What other movies would you consider?
What kind of discussions do you have with your ChatGPT?
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