Ahmed Best | Feel The Future | Long Now Talks

TL;DR

Ahmed Best emphasizes emotional connection and vulnerability to envision a hopeful future.

Transcript

[Applause] good evening and welcome to the Long Now Foundation my name is Patrick Dow and I am the board president of the Long Now Foundation which is a intergenerational community dedicated to fostering long-term thinking and creative projects our program this evening Feel the Future is a really important one because a lot of times when we think a... Read More

Key Insights

• 💍 Ahmed Best argues that enhancing our ability to feel can significantly influence how we envision and engage with the future.
• 🍻 He underscores the importance of emotional narratives in storytelling, linking them to personal experiences and societal change.
• 🎁 Vulnerability and openness are presented as critical components in fostering community and empowering individuals to contribute to change.
• 🚒 Best's "emotional engine" concept highlights that connecting with our emotional truths enriches our storytelling and enhances audience engagement.
• 👾 The discussion of Albert Einstein's theories of relativity serves to illustrate the interconnectedness of time and space in shaping our understanding of future possibilities.
• 🫡 "Earthling Culture" emphasizes the need for respect and dignity towards all life forms, providing a moral framework for approaching the future.
• 😒 Best uses the Godzilla metaphor to explain the pervasive pressures that can drive both personal struggles and community resilience.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who is Ahmed Best and what is his significance in cinema?

Ahmed Best is an actor and educator best known for portraying Jar Jar Binks in "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace," becoming the first CGI character in cinema history. His work transcends acting, as he is a pioneer in combining art with technology, thereby shaping the future of storytelling in film.

Q: What is the concept of the "emotional engine" that Ahmed Best refers to?

The "emotional engine" is described as the driving emotional force that propels a narrative forward. Best identifies it as crucial for storytelling, asserting that personal connections to our narratives enhance how they resonate with others. It encourages audiences to engage deeply with the emotional journey of characters.

Q: How does Ahmed connect Albert Einstein's theories to envisioning the future?

Ahmed uses Einstein's theory of relativity, particularly the concept of spacetime, to illustrate the interconnectedness of time and space in shaping narratives. He argues that feeling the present moment influences our understanding of the past and future, emphasizing that where and when we are significantly informs our emotional landscape.

Q: What role does vulnerability play in Ahmed Best's vision for the future?

Vulnerability is highlighted as essential for real human connection and change. Best argues that sharing our vulnerabilities facilitates open dialogues that lead to understanding and empathy. He believes that embracing vulnerability can create a more compassionate and hopeful future, enabling individuals to actively contribute to societal transformation.

Q: What is "Earthling Culture," according to Ahmed Best?

"Earthling Culture" is a concept articulated by Ahmed Best that advocates for the dignity and respect of all life forms. It emphasizes that every life has its own perspective and inherent dignity. The movement encourages practices and beliefs that recognize and uphold these values as humanity navigates its future challenges.

Q: What metaphor does Ahmed use to explain the pressures faced by individuals and communities?

Ahmed uses Godzilla as a metaphor for pressure, signifying the challenges and obstacles that individuals face. He posits that this pressure can lead to personal transformation and challenge, likening it to the emotional hurdles that must be overcome to enact meaningful change in one's life and community.

Q: How does Ahmed Best suggest we actively engage with the future?

Ahmed advocates for active involvement in shaping the future, employing a call to action for individuals to share their feelings and be vulnerable with one another. He encourages forming connections and supporting each other in the pursuit of collective and more optimistic futures.

Q: What is the significance of Ahmed Best’s childhood experiences in shaping his career?

Ahmed reflects on his upbringing in the Bronx, which exposed him to the cultural evolution of hip-hop and the communal spirit of creativity. These experiences instilled in him the belief that everyone can contribute to, and reshape, cultural narratives, influencing his work as an artist and educator.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ahmed Best, a pioneer in digital cinema and Broadway, discusses how experiencing feelings enhances our ability to imagine the future more effectively.

• He introduces a formula comprising emotional connections, Einstein's principles, and the symbolism of Godzilla, illustrating how pressure and vulnerability shape our narratives about the future.

• Best encourages active engagement in shaping the future through love, community, and shared vulnerability, vital for fostering collective change.