Spouses strategic zoom: Hindsight, foresight and insight

Technological innovations from World War II have profoundly transformed modern society. Breakthroughs such as radar, computers, radio, air pressure systems, refrigeration, stronger plywood, plastics, and penicillin—which saved countless lives—were all developed during the war and continue to shape our everyday lives.

This is a zoom backward. Our life today is a profound beneficiary of technological innovations and development. What will technology look like in 2030 or 2050?

In 2050, the world will be far different from today; there will be an integration of a range of technologies: quantum computing, metaverse, augmented reality, nanotechnology, human brain-computer interfaces, driverless technology, artificial intelligence, workplace automation, and robotics—life will see staggering advancement.

Saudi Arabia is preparing to build Jeddah Economic City. Master-planned to create an iconic new cityscape. The Jeddah Economic Project will put Saudi Arabia on the world stage.

Spanning 5.3 million square metres north of Jeddah, this ambitious project is envisioned to reflect a new era in urban development and modern living. Jeddah Tower will be the world’s tallest building at 1,000 when completed.

Smart countries are already preparing for a future shaped by technological advancements. Saudi Arabia, for instance, is looking to the future (foresight) by planning now (insight) using past reflections (hindsight). We can apply the same approach to our relationships:

Hindsight zoom: This is the ability of a husband and wife to reflect on and learn from the past. It's the capacity to understand a situation or event after it has happened or developed. You look back and learn from both success and failure.

Foresight zoom: This is the ability to predict and prepare for the future. It's the capacity of a husband and a wife to predict what will happen or be needed in the future. Esther and I see a better future in world society only if our marriage and families will be strong. It's a huge deception to think we will enjoy life without strong social ties.

Insight zoom: This is the ability to interpret and balance stuff; spouses look back and look forward, then create a vision in the moment. Lyle Schaller, an American author, once said, "Without a vision for a new tomorrow, we're all inclined to attempt to do yesterday all over again." The world with poor social ties has failed dismally.

Synergyic spouse operations: Spouses are two different individuals with different personalities, but they're one functioning unit. Synergy is combined action between different organs or people; everyone is working together doing different activities, but all for the same outcome.

We don't want to lose focus; when we work harmoniously, we produce a combined effect greater than the sum of our separate individual efforts.

There's mysterious mathematics: 1+1 is greater than 2, for sure. This is the principle of life, "better together." There's a multiplication effect in our togetherness. As partners, let's step back together, learning from the past and taking action now as we envision the future.

Amani Kyala is a counsellor, writer, and teacher. Contact: 0626 512 144.