Since ancient times, humanity has cultivated the desire to know the future, through magical rites or the interpretation of signs in nature. Some of the greatest works of antiquity from various cultures and religions are marked by this yearning. They often emerged during periods of great historical suffering for a people.
But is it truly useful to know what will happen? What does it offer us to know in advance the events we will experience, or how we will experience them? None of the legendary traditions fully reveal this, and more often than not, the symbolism conceals a very specific quest and the hope for a better tomorrow that will give meaning to the sufferings of today.
It could be said that when things are going well, the future doesn't worry us; while when they're going badly, we're sustained and encouraged by the hope that tomorrow they might change for the better. It's the deep need to hope for a new, different world, not just for myself, but for everyone.
The world today expresses a “cry” that concerns all of humanity. Even if it doesn't directly affect us, we only need to watch the news or glance through the newspapers to witness tragedies of all kinds. How do we experience them? Do we become accustomed to them and try to survive, or do we allow ourselves to be challenged by the future and act accordingly?
The world we imagine certainly does not yet exist; and yet, as George Orwell reminded us, it is possible. But which of the possible worlds? What can we do? We find an answer in the thought of Albert Camus: "True generosity toward the future consists in giving everything to the present."«[1].
The future, therefore, is not just something to wait for, but something that can be prepared for and, in a way, anticipated right now. It depends on our attitude and our daily actions. We don't know when we will see the fruits of change: it's like a silent seed that grows without us noticing and that, over time, becomes a plant capable of nourishing, protecting, and generating life around it.
The surprising thing is that we can't imagine the consequences: novelty is guaranteed. It will be an unpredictable future, born from transformed relationships, shared feelings, and a solidarity that translates into action.
To become a driving force for change and renewal in society requires courage, allowing oneself to be challenged by those who suffer, by those who are alone, by those who need our help or our advice. We will not be exempt from difficulties and inner struggles, but neither will there be a lack of moments of joy and true fulfillment.
Recently, an event was held in Florence to raise awareness and engage participants in a caravan of fraternity: an opportunity to reflect on and share experiences about building a peaceful future from various perspectives: economic, labor, industrial transformation, environmental, and more. This initiative aims to spread like wildfire to other cities and countries. Let's get involved! Let's be active participants, not spectators, so that the future becomes a present of fraternity, harmony, and peace.
