The world around us has always been shaped by visionaries — individuals with the unique ability to see beyond their present circumstances and dream of something bigger. This timeless ability to envision the future, coupled with the drive to achieve it, can be seen throughout history, from the annals of religious texts to the news bulletins of the 21st century.
In the sacred script of the Bible, Abraham, often referred to as the father of many nations, received an instruction from God:
Look as far as you can see in every direction—north and south, east and west (Genesis 13:14, NLT).
Abraham's story isn’t just of a man following divine directives, but rather it serves as a testament to human potential. It's a clarion call, urging us to expand our horizons, and dream beyond our current confines.
Fast forward to the 18th century. Visionaries like Benjamin Franklin, illuminated by the Enlightenment era, pursued knowledge and innovation. His explorations with electricity went beyond mere scientific curiosity, setting the foundation for technological wonders to come.
The 19th century carried the torch forward. Pioneers like Isambard Kingdom Brunel dared to challenge the norms of their time. The iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge stands today as a testament to Brunel's dream — one that stretched beyond architectural paradigms of his era.
Then, the 20th century presented its own bevy of visionaries. From Martin Luther King Jr., whose dream reshaped the sociopolitical landscape of America, to tech revolutionaries like Steve Jobs, whose vision of user-centric technology changed our interaction with the digital realm.
Yet, vision isn’t bound by historical timelines. In a classroom in Biriwa, Ghana, Professor Bernd Schroers of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences posed a seemingly simple question to his students: “How far can you see?”. Much like Abraham's directive, this question beckons us to not just observe our immediate surroundings but to conceptualise a future of endless possibilities.
Today's leaders, such as Elon Musk with his eyes set on the cosmos, and Greta Thunberg with her heart set on a greener Earth, embody the same spirit. Their visions, though rooted in the present, aim to address challenges of the future.
So, where does this leave us, the readers? It’s imperative that we draw from the well of history and the reservoir of contemporary leadership to script our own narratives. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone at the crossroads of life, remember Abraham’s journey. He started by looking beyond, laying down a lineage that changed the course of history.
To every reader of this piece: Envision. Dream. Act. The future belongs to those who can see beyond the horizon. In the end, it's not about the destination but the journey and the vision that guides us there. After all, as the age-old adage goes — where there is no vision, the people perish. Let's ensure our vision crafts a legacy, echoing through the corridors of time.
Evans Owusu
12 August 2023, original post 13 July 2022
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