(What a broad, impossible question. . . .) Uh. . . I hazard to guess that the defining theme of this next century will be peace & love and technology happily united. . . . .(Although a Mad Max/Blade Runner post-apocalypse scenario might be more exciting and interesting, things are probably going to continue getting better. . )

mothmc, 35
Pensacola, FL

In my mind the 20th century was so very much about machines (cars, telecommunications, assembly lines, bombs). I think the big themes for the 21st century will focus more on the intangibles. Learning, ideas, knowledge, spirituality, multi-culturalism, money, identities, life sciences, and amusements / entertainments. I think these will become the 21st century's themes. I think we will perfect machines, but the advances will come in these other areas.

Felicia, 33
Somerville, MA

The fusion of biology with machines. All though it sounds trite, the future is in miniaturization. Machines smaller than cells will perform repairs to our bodies.

And while I'm at it, we will finally have space travel!

Tom

Settling the defining themes of the millennium (which won't start properly for 362 days) will be the job of the future when they have the perspective of distance to sort out themes and movements.

I think I'll recognize sunrise and sunset, but I won't tax my brain searching for more subtle, less physical patterns.

Jill, 59
Saylorsburg, PA

Hopefully the electronics world will draw us closer and make us realize what a small planet we inhabit.

Janet, 42
NJ

Overpopulation, homelessness, and hunger.  The fall of the US and the rise of China.  Advances in medicine, agriculture, space travel and human rights.

Laura, 34
Lowell, MA

I think the defining themes of the next century will be world peace and the environment. And we may even see themes such as world unity.

Chris, 25
Lowell, MA

Given the track records of people who tried to predict the 20th century, I am going to abstain from answering this question.

Kristin, 20
IA  USA

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