It is said if you look long enough you will find what you are looking for—or it will find you. So, after a couple of months of not feeling inspired or excited to write much, I finally stumbled upon an idea that just won’t let go. Of course, that idea will take a while to completely unfold, but ever since I first heard it I felt captured and inspired by a new way of looking at things—a new way of looking at life. That idea is an optimistic protopia. What is protopia? It is the middle way between a dystopia or a utopia. It asks, will our futures look like a dystopian disaster where the planet and humans are fighting tooth and nail to survive? (Think of the movies Terminator or Mad Max.) Or will it look like a utopian dream where everything is perfect, all people are “perfect”, and nothing ever changes? Until recently no one really talked about a third alternative. A middle way. And that future is protopian. I’m guessing most people never even heard of it just like me.
I discovered the idea of protopia while listening to a podcast interview of a man named Kevin Kelly. Considered a “futurist,” Kevin is an author and cofounder of the magazine Wired and former editor of the Whole Earth Review. The podcast where I first found him was an interview by Tim Ferris and the title was, “Excellent Advice for Living.” Not only did his discussion include his new book (with the same title) he also discussed AI and where it is headed. Then, more importantly to me, he introduced the concept of protopia. And now I’m introducing it to you.
What first caught my attention is that Kelly considers himself an optimist. He says, “Pessimism sounds smart. Optimism sounds dumb. Don’t fall for it.” Then he goes on to explain that optimists shape our future because believing something is possible is a necessary requirement to make anything new. He goes on to point out that human history is filled with optimists that, in spite of the odds, created new things that most could not even imagine—but obviously someone did and now it has become our reality. He says, “In the long run, optimists shape our world.”
Another reason that Kelly believes in the power of optimism is that with a long view, progress shows that humanity has slowly but surely progressed through the ages. It requires that we view the slow growth and advantages made century after century that required us to build things that we might never see ourselves. It allows us to pay the current price for things in the present time so that in the future we will be ready for inevitable disaster and harm that always comes. He also explains that though we typically do (eventually) solve our problems—in the long run once we solve a problem, those very solutions will create new and different problems. With an acceptance that problems will never end, the optimist strives forward knowing and trusting in cooperation, the goodness of people and the power of creativity.
Of course, Kelly admits that optimism is sometimes harder to see. That’s because he believes bad things happen fast and good things take longer. The news today (and most people’s attention span) sees only things that happen in the last few hours (if not minutes.) Good takes longer than that—not only a longer view–but a longer time frame. And think about it, progress is mostly about what hasn’t or didn’t happen. Millions of children went to school today and came home without incident. Thousands recovered from serious accidents (and COVID). Today over 90,000 passenger plans flew without calamity. People moved into homes and got new jobs—babies were born. Things happen all the time but unless it is bad, we seldom hear or even think about it.
Plus, Kelly is convinced that optimism produces both happier and more resilient people. After all, it takes hope to believe that your actions will eventually produce favorable results. But Kelly is clear that “the psychological temperament of an optimist is not a sunny disposition or a Pollyanna delusion that everything is ideal.” Instead, he claims that as optimists we believe that bad things or situations created by temporary causes will be overcome. Therefore, in order to adapt and thrive when challenges arise, it is the optimist that will prevail.
So where does protopia fit into all this? Kelly is clear that “Optimism is not utopian. It’s protopian—a slow march toward incremental betterment.” He asks us to imagine that the world is only 1% better than last. Then each year 1% better than that. By all appearances it doesn’t look like anything much, but very slowly betterment is happening. That is protopia. It requires that although it may appear that things are sometimes taking a negative turn, over time things will get better. But the key is time. It seldom happens fast. He also believes that “…as bad as the world’s future problems will be, the reason we can and should be optimistic is that our estimates of future woes don’t take into account our ability to solve them.” He cautions about letting our minds sink into dystopia. Instead take the protopian view. If we want things to be better we have to begin by believing they will be.
I’ve only scratched the surface of what Kelly teaches about optimism and protopia. But having listened to several of his interviews, watched YouTube videos and read several of his articles, his outlook on life has given me a new perspective and yes, even more optimism than I’ve had in a while. Let’s all do ourselves a favor and turn off the media news once in a while and seek out the good news in our world. Let’s talk to each other and find common ground. Let’s take the long view of history and look back through the years where we’ve come from. Most importantly, let remember that the SMART thing to do is to start imagining an optimistic protopian future where we become the ancestors that future generations will be proud of claiming as their own.
Disclosure: The title of this post was generated by AI, but the article itself was created solely by personal human creativity.
What a great term – protopian! I agree most humans would fall into that category while wavering between pessimism and optimism. And, yes, I know a lot of people that feel the need to be up on everything. They have severe FOMO (fear of missing out) and can’t stand not, basically, being in the thick of things.
I do love the Serenity Prayer “accept the things I can’t change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference”. Sometimes, it gets hard to distinguish and, I for one, sometimes try to change things I know I have no influence over – just hoping I guess. 🙂
I live on the more optimistic side and know things will take time, even though patience isn’t my strong suit. It’s much better for your mindset and mental health, too, being more positive and upbeat (not PollyAnnaish). It saves you from spiraling down Dante’s seven circles of hell and seeing only despair not hope.
It’s a new word I’m going to remember and pass on to our friends. Great article with a great analysis of the term! Thanks, Kathy
Hi Debbie! Ever since meeting you here in the cyberspace I’ve known you to be a fellow optimist so I’m not surprised you appreciated hearing about protopian thinking. I can’t help but believe the more we think and talk about ideas that present an encouraging future the better. Thanks for your thoughts. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
I first read your recent post last weekend. I have been doing a lot of thinking about it and have come back to it and reread it several times. Thanks for providing a new way of looking at life and things that surround us. And, I enjoy reading all of the comments readers have added to this interesting writing. Thanks again.
Ruthie
Hi Ruthie. Thank you. When I wrote this I was hoping others might be as encouraged as I was about possible futures. I hope to continue to do that in my future writings! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for writing this article – you have given me some great food for thought and I’ll definitely be adding Kelly’s book to my reading list!
This week I’ll be actively looking for opportunities to adopt a protopian attitude about my own personal life and accept, with grace, that the things that will change my life for the better may be slow to manifest.
I appreciate having these positive articles to read. Keep it up!
Hi Megan! Thank you for adding that bit about acceptance with grace. It is one thing to hold on to a protopian view point but that doesn’t mean it is always natural or easy. I think it has become normal in our culture to grow impatient–and want everything to happen according to our time frame. I’m reminded constantly of the AA Creed that says “…to accept the things I cannot change…the courage to change the things I can..and the wisdom to know the difference.” Perhaps that would help (at least me) accept that some things take time before I will see the change that I’m hoping for–but know deep down that eventually it will unfold.
And thank you so much for your encouragement. ~Kathy
I agree that optimist have built the world as it is today. It took optimist to believe in things that seemed impossible at the moment to build the cutting edge things we have around us today. I recently read a book, In Awe, that talks about how most things today were once impossible ideas. If we were all pessimists, nothing new would get made or invented because we would all say “that is impossible, why waste your time and money”.
Hi Mitchell! That makes sense doesn’t it? I don’t know why we don’t remember like you say, that “nothing new would get made or invented” because why do anything if it is impossible in the first place? I kept thinking why would anyone have children if they thought the world was doomed? Surely children are the most optimistic thing most people could bring into the world? Of course, as probably every parent would confirm, even though a parent has high hopes there are still lots of challenges. And that is protopia. It doesn’t mean we won’t face those, only that over the long run we will get through and things will be better for us and each other. Thanks for your thoughts! ~Kathy
Like some others, I haven’t heard that term before. Like Einstein said, one of the most important decisions we make is whether we see the universe as hostile or friendly. Not exactly what you are talking about, but seeing the universe as basically friendly gives us a foundation for adopting a protopian outlook.
Hi Galen! I have also appreciated that insight from Einstein and come back to it often. While not as you say, exactly what protopia is, I agree it is a “foundation” for believing that things will eventually work out given enough time. It is believing in people, it is believing the mystery of Life and I believe it is a choice we all have to make. ~Kathy
You are correct, Kathy, I had never heard of protopia. Most of us probably fall into that category, as we fluctuate between moments of optimism and pessimism.
I’m glad you are learning a lot about this topic and that you manage to turn the media off for a bit. I’m living without the news and hope Mark will keep me abreast when something important (like the Ecuadorian President dissolving parliament) happens. 🙂
Hi Liesbet! I think it’s pretty normal to flip back and forth between hopeful and less so — especially if we get sucked into what’s happening in the media. I know people think they might miss out on something BIG if they don’t check in regularly, but it wasn’t so long ago that we got along fine hearing about the big stuff a few days later. And unless there is an action we can take when we do hear, I’m guessing some of that news (like the Ecuadorian President dissolving parliament) that we have no control over and won’t affect us anyway. Of course, if it will alter your trip and the days ahead, then news takes on a more immediate reaction. Even then, do we have the mindset that we can handle whatever comes our way? That to me at least, is a real keep to protopia. Clearly you and Mark must be in that camp or you would never take on the adventure you are underway right now! ~Kathy
Great post, Kathy. I learned from my mom to always choose optimism. She is 92, happy and has survived some incredible obstacles (including being given 72 hours to live when I was two). With a model like that, how can I choose otherwise?!
Thanks Donna! And yes your mom is amazing. What a great role model for you (and for all of us!) I’ll bet she has some stories she could tell us about the ability to accept small steps toward betterment. Hmmmm…ever thought about making a record of them? ~Kathy
Hi. Kathy – Like many moms, my mom has a fascinating story. We’ve been recording much of it together in a ‘My Mom’s Story’ that I picked up a couple of years ago. It has great prompts!
I like this. It sounds like the protopian concept actually parallels the book I just read, Love Is The Way by Archbishop Michael Curry.
Hey Michelle! Thanks. I haven’t heard of that book but I will have to check it out. I think you’d appreciate all the work of Kevin Kelly as well. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy! I’m happy to have been one of those 90,000 people who flew yesterday without incidence 🙂 Your description of protopia vs. pessimism and why it’s important to realize that we humans have a track record (over a long period of time) of solving problems reminds me of the pushback I’ve received because I drive an electric car. Some people recite all the downsides they’ve read (some, of course, not true), discounting not only the upsides but assuming that none of the challenges will ever be worked out. There are a lot of smart humans working to make the world better.
Hey Janis! You’re back! And I am VERY happy to hear that you were not on of the “fast-news” statistics but were instead just one of the millions that had good experiences (mixed I’m sure with a few less-thans.) And like you said, I’m glad to know there are a lot of people out there working to “slowly” make the world better! ~Kathy
Kathy,
Great to hear from you again! Your thoughts often create space for us to think & act humanely. Thank you for sharing the wisdom that surrounds us that needs to be spoken out loud. My heart from your post today:
1. Hope is necessary for tiny steps forward.
2. We are impatient with positive changes that are necessary.
3. We cannot allow thoughts of calamity to influence our poor choices. There is no quick & easy fix.
4. It is important to embrace the goodness in people and to act in kind.
Thank you for listening,
Mike W.
Hi Mike! Thank you so much for sharing your take-aways from this post. I deeply appreciate your gift. ~Kathy