Was it an intellectual tipping point? New ideas in politics, technology, healthcare and house building may change how we live forever?
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Review of the year: the big ideas
Was it an intellectual tipping point? New ideas in politics, technology, healthcare and house building may change how we live forever?
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2024 was a year of originalNew, or the first time something is done or used. thinking - some good, some bad. Here are four big ideas from 2024:
1. Return of the right. Right-wingSometimes referred to as 'conservative', this is a range of political beliefs that emphasise the value of tradition, individual freedom and responsibility, low taxes and a hands-off approach to government. ideas are becoming more popular worldwide, such as anti-immigrationThe permanent movement of people into a country. views.
2. Wonders of wellness. In 2024, the Zoe gut health app exploded in popularity. Meanwhile, sales of water filters and SPF50 sun cream increased.
3. Bitcoin breakthrough. Many call cryptocurrencyA digital currency in which transactions are verified and records maintained by a decentralised system using cryptography, rather than by a centralised authority. the future of money. This year, the value of BitcoinA virtual currency that is "mined" using computers. Bitcoin was inspired by the idea that currencies' value should not be controlled by central banks. In truth, however, its value has fluctuated much more wildly than that of most centralised currencies. soared past $100,000 (£79,200) - an important achievement.
4. Nuclear renewal. Energy shortages have made nuclear powerNuclear energy is the energy in the nucleus, or core, of an atom - a tiny piece of matter. It can be used to create electricity. popular again in countries like Britain, Japan and America. Tech giants are also spending on nuclear power because AIA computer programme that has been designed to think. uses so much energy.
Some people think a single year can change the course of history. Others think history is a process of slow change.
It is too early to tell whether 2024 was a turning point. But the exciting and frightening ideas from this year will give people plenty to think about.
Was it an intellectual tipping point?
Yes! This year has changed how people think about politics, power, money, health and house building. Any one of these ideas could change how we live in the future.
No! It is exciting to think that one big idea could change the world. But in reality, small changes often happen very slowly over time. One year is not enough time for an idea to change the world.
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Keywords
Original - New, or the first time something is done or used.
Right-wing - Sometimes referred to as 'conservative', this is a range of political beliefs that emphasise the value of tradition, individual freedom and responsibility, low taxes and a hands-off approach to government.
Immigration - The permanent movement of people into a country.
Cryptocurrency - A digital currency in which transactions are verified and records maintained by a decentralised system using cryptography, rather than by a centralised authority.
Bitcoin - A virtual currency that is "mined" using computers. Bitcoin was inspired by the idea that currencies' value should not be controlled by central banks. In truth, however, its value has fluctuated much more wildly than that of most centralised currencies.
Nuclear power - Nuclear energy is the energy in the nucleus, or core, of an atom - a tiny piece of matter. It can be used to create electricity.
AI - A computer programme that has been designed to think.
Review of the year: the big ideas
Bright sparks?: The election of right-wing figures such as Donald Trump has boosted the success of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Dogecoin. Glossary
Original - New, or the first time something is done or used.
Right-wing - Sometimes referred to as 'conservative', this is a range of political beliefs that emphasise the value of tradition, individual freedom and responsibility, low taxes and a hands-off approach to government.
Immigration - The permanent movement of people into a country.
Cryptocurrency - A digital currency in which transactions are verified and records maintained by a decentralised system using cryptography, rather than by a centralised authority.
Bitcoin - A virtual currency that is "mined" using computers. Bitcoin was inspired by the idea that currencies' value should not be controlled by central banks. In truth, however, its value has fluctuated much more wildly than that of most centralised currencies.
Nuclear power - Nuclear energy is the energy in the nucleus, or core, of an atom — a tiny piece of matter. It can be used to create electricity.
AI - A computer programme that has been designed to think.