Metaphors and short explanations have a large influence on how we think and talk about the future. Some examples are: AGI is like nukes, out-of-control race dynamics, LLMs as stochastic parrots.

But most of our common reference points lean dystopian: P(doom), the paperclip maximizer, Black Mirror, Brave New World, 1984. Where are the equally compelling ones for positive futures — abundant clean energy, infinite knowledge, no infectious disease, no poverty, solved aging, effective global coordination?

As one small step toward filling this gap, Foresight Institute is launching the Existential Hope Meme Prize:

• $10,000 for the best meme that conveys a scientifically grounded, positive vision of the future
• Open globally

We’re grateful to have Jason Crawford (Roots of Progress) on the judging panel, alongside others from science, media, and progress communities.

Details and submissions here: existentialhope.com/existential-hope-meme-prize

We’d appreciate your help spreading the word, and if you make memes yourself, we’d love to see your submissions.