How Futurology Works

# Stuff You Should Know: Futurology

Josh and Chuck dive into the fascinating world of futurology, exploring how experts try to predict the future using logic, data, and creative techniques like the Delphi method and scenario planning. They trace the origins of modern futurism back to post-World War II military strategists and discuss legendary futurists like Herman Kahn, whose predictions ranged from surprisingly accurate to wildly off base. The guys also celebrate science fiction writers who've nailed future predictions—from Jules Verne pinpointing Cape Canaveral to Hugo Gernsback imagining solar power, video phones, and suspended cities—while examining why futurology is simultaneously brilliant and hilariously flawed.