maturezine

Teaching scenario - what if - Herman Kahn planning to children is less about a formal methodology and more about cultivating a “what‑if” mindset — imagining multiple futures, tracing chains of cause and effect, and becoming comfortable with uncertainty. Herman Kahn’s “think the unthinkable” can be translated as “let’s imagine wild, wonderful and even slightly scary possibilities, so we’re never caught completely off guard.” Here’s a playful, practical plan, followed by books that nurture the same mental muscles. A Child‑Friendly Scenario‑Planning Plan Step 1: Start with “What If?” Everywhere Make “What if…” a natural part of everyday conversation. · What if it rains on our picnic day? (Plan A, Plan B) · What if your best friend moves away? (How would we stay connected?) · What if cats could talk? (What would change in the world?) The goal is to show that there is never just one “official future.” Step 2: Introduce the “Three Future” Game For any decision or event, draw (...