In the realm of futures thinking, narrative is essential. Stories don’t just reflect reality—they actively shape it. The stories we choose to emphasize can expand or limit the possibilities we imagine, influence, and ultimately pursue.
This compelling illustration, inspired by the “Cone of Futures,” shows how the stories we tell today influence the spectrum of futures we encounter tomorrow. It maps how our present narratives unfold into multiple layers of potential futures—possible, plausible, probable, and preferable.
As a narrative strategist, I see stories as essential tools for navigating the unknown, especially when established norms are being questioned and systems are in flux. By framing emerging possibilities, storytelling provides a way to embrace uncertainty and orient ourselves toward what we want to see in the world. A well-crafted narrative strategy gives us language, direction, and inspiration in times of profound change, making the future not only imaginable but actionable.
What stories are you telling?
How are you leveraging storytelling to navigate the future?
Diagram adapted from Whitespace Ltd