We currently observe an interesting paradox: on the one hand, a narrow and determined preoccupation with the world we actually live in, away from the multiple pasts and futures in which we are embedded. On the other hand, we note a recurrent appeal to transcend the present towards the future – without reference, however, to the questions, perspectives, value propositions and investments that might define the necessary steps for "moving forward" in important areas of social, cultural and economic life.