Are ideas more powerful than armies? Big thoughts on technology, the climate and global equality have the ability to transform our lives in 2024.
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This could be the year... a Big Idea is born
Are ideas more powerful than armies? Big thoughts on technology, the climate and global equality have the ability to transform our lives in 2024.
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Mind over matter
A scruffy German gentleman is shuffling round the British Library in 1867. You would not guess that his ideas were about to change history. But that man is Karl MarxA 19th-Century German economist and philosopher who argued that capitalism was doomed to collapse. and his theories dominated 20th Century politics.
So, who is working on a theory that will shape this century?
John Maynard KeynesOne of the most influential economists of the 20th Century, best known for his Keynesian economic theories on the causes of unemployment. wrote that "the world is ruled by little else" except "the ideas of economists and political philosophers". However, many believe it is the actions of individuals and groups that change history. Either way, paying attention to new ideas gives us a better sense of what the future holds.
Are ideas more powerful than armies?
Yes: The risks of AI, protecting the climate, gender and sexual equality - one of these ideas will surely inspire politicians or the public to shape the future of our world.
No: Ideas can be interesting and even influential, but the wars and elections taking place across the world in 2024 will be much more important than the ideas of any single thinker.
Or... The policies and theories used by politicians and activists must come from somewhere, and by studying new ideas we can make informed guesses about which direction our society is moving.
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Keywords
Karl Marx - A 19th-Century German economist and philosopher who argued that capitalism was doomed to collapse.
Misleading - Giving the wrong idea.
Culture wars - A cultural conflict between groups in a society.
Diplomat - An official representing a country abroad.
Decarbonisation - Removing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the output of the economy.
Artificial Intelligence - Artificial intelligence, or "AI," is the ability for a computer to think and learn. With AI, computers can perform tasks that are typically done by people, including processing language, problem-solving, and learning.
Inflation - An increase in the price of goods in an economy.
Outpacing - Going faster or improving faster than.
Identity politics - Politics based on a particular identity, for example race or ethnicity, gender or sexuality, nationality or social background.
Equality - When everyone has equal rights and opportunities.
John Maynard Keynes - One of the most influential economists of the 20th Century, best known for his Keynesian economic theories on the causes of unemployment.
This could be the year… a Big Idea is born
Bright minds: Scientists, researchers and writers whose theories might shape our future. Glossary
Karl Marx - A 19th-Century German economist and philosopher who argued that capitalism was doomed to collapse.
Misleading - Giving the wrong idea.
Culture wars - A cultural conflict between groups in a society.
Diplomat - An official representing a country abroad.
Decarbonisation - Removing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the output of the economy.
Artificial Intelligence - Artificial intelligence, or “AI,” is the ability for a computer to think and learn. With AI, computers can perform tasks that are typically done by people, including processing language, problem-solving, and learning.
Inflation - An increase in the price of goods in an economy.
Outpacing - Going faster or improving faster than.
Identity politics - Politics based on a particular identity, for example race or ethnicity, gender or sexuality, nationality or social background.
Equality - When everyone has equal rights and opportunities.
John Maynard Keynes - One of the most influential economists of the 20th Century, best known for his Keynesian economic theories on the causes of unemployment.