A thoughtful time question. A hundred years ago life was slower, with no phones and no internet. A hundred years from now is a total mystery. Would you rather live in a world you can study in books, or a world nobody can predict?
The case for “Live 100 years in the past”
- Life would be slower and simpler.
- You would see historic moments happen.
- Nature would be wilder and less crowded.
The case for “Live 100 years in the future”
- Medicine and technology would be amazing.
- You might travel to other planets.
- You would see how today's problems were solved.
Who picks which side
History fans and people who love simple living choose the past. People excited about technology, medicine and space choose the future. Older players often pick the past for nostalgia, while younger players nearly always choose the future.
Our take
The future, for medicine alone. The past sounds peaceful, but it was also hard work with fewer comforts. The future is a gamble, but probably a good one.
Keep the debate going
Follow-up: what would you miss most from today?
Make it harder
- You go to the past, but you keep your phone with no signal.
- You go to the future, but you can not tell anyone where you are from.
- You can come back after one week.
In one line: Grandparents' world or great-grandkids' world. Find more like it in our deep would you rather questions.
Frequently asked questions
What would be hardest about the past?
Less advanced medicine, no internet and harder daily chores. Many people change their answer once they think about everyday life back then.
What is risky about the future?
We do not know what it will be like, which is exciting but uncertain. Optimists imagine flying cars, and worriers imagine big problems.
