Von Foerster cautioned us against the tranquilizing effect of accepted truths or truisms as they can numb us to realities, especially the reality that the future is not a mere continuation of the past. As we can see from numerous political debates and social issues around the world at present, in times of socio-cultural upheaval, clinging to the past as a predictor of the future leaves us unprepared and reactionary, rather than proactive and visionary. Problems are nature’s way of calling for new and more adaptive reactions: If we don't shape our future, we'll be shaped by it.
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