What is a Futurologist?
Futurologists are not the same as future researchers!
Future researchers try to predict the future using data, statistics, and forecasting models.
Futurologists, on the other hand, come from practice and include far more parameters in their considerations. They analyze which narratives have shaped past developments and why. They compare this with current societal culture and geopolitical dynamics—and instead of probabilities, they analyze possibilities.
In other words, they explore how we can actively shape the future:
- What technologies are available?
- What meaningful solutions and structures are already forming?
- What systemic changes are needed to develop a sustainable economic and social future?
This approach is also known as hermeneutic future research.
For those who want to dive deeper: The Scientific Approach of Hermeneutic Future Research
Future as an Interpretable Narrative Field
1. Max’s Core Idea
Traditional future research often works with data models, trends, and forecasts. However, the future is not just a linear projection of data—it emerges from cultural, social, and psychological meaning systems (also called narratives or stories).
Hermeneutic future research takes a different approach:
It interprets the future as a narrative field shaped by history, values, symbols, and societal discourse—combined with current possibilities.
2. Principles of Hermeneutic Future Research
📌 Future as Narrative
The future is not just a collection of facts but a woven tapestry of ideas, perceptions, societal culture, and human expectations.
📌 Meaning over Calculation
The future is not predicted but interpreted—by analyzing the present, myths, metaphors, stories, and cultural patterns—and their potential transformation into the future.
📌 Circularity of Understanding
Similar to the hermeneutic circle, future research acknowledges that we can only understand where we are going if we recognize where we come from—while at the same time defining where we want to go and what possibilities exist.
📌 Historical Influence on Future Visions
Every vision of the future is rooted in a tradition and a future trajectory—whether through progress myths, utopian or dystopian narratives, technological advancements, or their integration into daily life.
📌 Interpretation as a Tool for Shaping the Future
Those who understand the future can actively shape it through narratives—by pairing storytelling with technology, individual opportunities, and systemic implementations.
3. Methodology – How Max Explores the Future Using Hermeneutic Science
🔍 Analyzing Narratives & Discourses
- What key future concepts dominate public debate? (Sustainability, AI, post-growth economy, deindustrialization, data sovereignty, etc.)
- Which narratives are being reproduced?
- Which new narratives can be developed based on individual and collective opportunities?
- Are there recurring patterns, myths, or unconscious opportunities?
🔍 Historical & Present-Day Deep Analysis
- How do past interpretations shape current visions of the future?
- How are present narratives used in different sectors or cultural contexts?
- Are there cyclical developments or recurring paradigms?
🔍 Decoding Symbolic Meanings
- What symbols represent the future? (Spaceship vs. treehouse, robots vs. humanity, AI vs. intuition, etc.)
- How are current technologies and societal (economic, political) structures culturally embedded?
- What developmental potential lies within these parameters?
- How have these symbols influenced our past, present, and future actions?
🔍 Interactive Future Interpretation
- Workshops & discourse formats where people reflect on and refine their visions of the future.
- Storytelling methods to make alternative futures tangible through narratives.
4. Applications of Hermeneutic Future Research
📌 For Businesses & Organizations:
- Developing future visions not just as strategies but as cultural narratives.
- Creating broad integration networks that connect employees, industries, and communities.
📌 For Cities & Regions:
- Merging historical identity with future-oriented interpretation.
- Developing new economic and social models from current possibilities.
📌 For Societal Transformation:
- How can change become tangible and participatory rather than forced?
- Which narratives, technologies, and personal opportunities make transformation feel natural rather than artificial?
- What stories do we tell ourselves about change—and what new stories could we tell?
5. A Practical Example: AI Through a Hermeneutic Lens
📌 Traditional Data-Driven Future Research Asks:
- How will AI impact the economy?
- Which jobs will disappear?
📌 Hermeneutic Future Research Asks:
- What myths underlie the AI debate?
- Is it the old story of “the servant who becomes a threat” (Frankenstein)?
- Or is it the utopian vision of absolute efficiency (rationalism of the Enlightenment)?
- How can AI enhance our culture, life, and economy?
- What values must we establish for AI to be seamlessly integrated into our societal systems?
💡 This approach reveals a key insight:
Our visions of the future are never neutral predictions—they are culturally shaped narratives.
And this is where true future design begins—through interpretation and storytelling.
And That’s Exactly What a Futurologist Does! 🚀
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References Max Thinius
Business: Axel Springer, AllyouneedFresh, BioCompany, Burda, Chupa-Chups, Coca-Cola, Christ Juweliere, Diageo, Deutsche Post, Douglas Holding, Dow, Heineken, GASAG, Lufthansa, MAMA AG, Mercedes Benz, Merck Pharma, MLP, PWC, STEAG, Sparkassen, Togal-Werk-AG, Vattenfall, Voeslauer, Volkswagen.
Politics: Bitkom, Bundesverband E-Commerce und Versandhandel Deutschland e.V. (bevh), Deutscher Bauernverband, Forum nachhaltige Geldanlagen, BMWi, Wissenschaftlicher Beirat der Bundesregierung, UVWM – Unternehmensverband Westfalen Mitte, Konzernrepräsentanz der Deutschen Post, VFI – Verband der Fertigwarenimporteure.
Institutions: Schule im Aufbruch, Rock it Biz – Stiftungsgesellschaft für Unternehmertum, Deutsche Umweltstiftung, Earthrise Foundation, IMK – Institut für Marketing und Kommunikation, Freie Universität Berlin, Universität St. Gallen, Die Tafel, Miami Ad School, Wirtschaftsförderung Brandenburg, Wirtschaftsförderung Düsseldorf, Mitglied im Rat der Gesellschaft.
Comments on Max Keynotes
“That was the best, most comprehensive and insightful talk I have ever heard on the subject of the future.”
Dr. Luling Lo / Uni Bremen, Lehrstuhl Logistik
“He is one of Germany’s most famous futurologists.”
BILD online
“Pretty cool performance yesterday – Merci!”
Ute Welty / Moderatorin, Journalistin
“At last a sound and positive contribution to the topic of digitization and the future.”
Petra Ohlmeyer / Wesco
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Uwe Riechel / Regional Director Fashion Europe bei Hellmann Worldwide Logistics
“This ranges from enthusiasm to euphoria!”
Dr. Michael Arretz / VFI – Verband der Fertigwarenimporteure
“Thank you – your lecture makes me feel good about the future.”
Hans Martin Pleiss / ABN AMRO
“Your lecture has given me much to think about in a positive sense.”
Jens Kaß / Geschäftsführer C. Mackprang jr. GmbH & CO. KG
“It’s always impressive to listen to!”
Julia Miosga / Bitkom
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