My ?August 28th speech“ - Beyond the Spreadsheet: A Bold Vision for a Just and Sustainable Future

I have a dream that one day, our world will break free from the shackles of simplified thinking, where everything is reduced to numbers on a spreadsheet, where profits matter more than people, and where the pursuit of short-term gain blinds us to the beauty and complexity of life. I have a dream that one day, we will step away from the narrow, two-dimensional view of reality and embrace the full, rich spectrum of human potential—seeing beyond the surface, understanding the deeper connections that bind us all together.

I dream of a world where businesses no longer chase quarterly profits at the expense of the planet, but instead work together to build a future where sustainability, equality, and long-term well-being are the true measures of success. Where companies, governments, and societies collaborate—not to dominate or compete—but to lift one another up, to share the fruits of progress with all, and to ensure that no one is left behind.

Too long have we been stuck in a 2D world of spreadsheets, matrices, and financial statements. Too long have we measured success by what is easy to count, while ignoring what is truly valuable - think Einstein... The rich and powerful have profited from this system, built on the foundations of the neoliberal religion - just like the Kings did in their days, by embracing whatever religion benefitted them most! This dreadful system, where everything is monetized, commodified, and controlled by the invisible hand of the market. They have benefitted from a system where simplicity reigns, where the numbers are neat and tidy, and where the complexity of life is lost in the margins.

But this system has failed us, dramatically. It has created a world divided as never before. Where inequality grew and is still growing to unimaginable levels, where the less fortunate (?precariate“) struggle to survive, while the wealthy continue to build their empires, supported by corrupt politicians - like in the olden days of mighty but unjust kings. It has given us environmental degradation, political instability, and social unrest. It has hollowed out our communities, turned essential resources into commodities, and left our most vulnerable to fend for themselves.

And yet, I have a dream. I have a dream that this world can change. That the ?old ways“ (hey, it‘s just 5 decades!) of doing things, the ways that have brought us to the brink of collapse, can be left behind. I have a dream that together, we can create a new way of thinking—a way that is not bound by the narrow confines of profit and efficiency, but one that values the full dimensions of human life. A way that looks at the world through a lens of interconnectedness, of shared responsibility, and of hope.

I have a dream that governments will no longer be driven by short-term political cycles, but by a vision of a sustainable future. That leaders will rise (again, like after WW II) who understand that true progress is not measured in votes or stock prices, but in the well-being of their people, in the health of their communities, and in the strength of their ecosystems. That these leaders will have the courage to make the hard decisions, to resist the temptations of the status quo, be immune to the harsh hand of ?the merchant of doubt“, and to build a world that is just and fair.

I have a dream that businesses will no longer see the environment as a resource to be exploited, but as a partner in their success. That they will invest not in extracting value for their shareholders, but in creating value for the world. That they will understand that true innovation does not come from cutting corners or maximizing profits, but from collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to the common good.

I have a dream that education will no longer teach our young people to follow the rules of the market, but to question them. That schools will foster not just the skills needed to compete in the economy, but the wisdom to understand the complexities of the world. That our children will learn not just to solve problems on paper, but to see the bigger picture—to see the connections between people, the environment, and the systems we live in.

This dream is not just a vision of the future—it is happening today. All around the world, people are waking up to the reality that the old ways are no longer working. They are coming together, from governments, businesses, and communities, to create new solutions, to break free from the 2D thinking that has held us back for so long. These pioneers are collaborating, building systems that prioritize sustainability, equality, and long-term progress over short-term gains. They are showing us that it is possible to think differently. That it is possible to measure success not by what we have, but by what we give. That the true wealth of a society lies not in its bank accounts, but in the well-being of its people, in the health of its environment, and in the strength of its communities.

I have a dream that this movement will grow, that it will spread to every corner of the globe, and that together, we will build a future where no one is left behind. Where we no longer live in fear of instability, of division, or of environmental collapse, but in hope—hope for a future where progress is shared, where opportunity is equal, and where our world is sustained for generations to come.

This dream is not distant. It is within reach. And with each new collaboration, with each new commitment to equality and sustainability, we are moving closer to making it a reality. Let us walk together toward that brighter future, hand in hand, with hope in our hearts and the courage to dream of a world that is better, fuller, and more just than the one we leave behind.