It’s a Wonderful Life – 2060
The chapter introduces Juniper Blakely, a 34-year-old man living in the year 2060, and details his structured yet technologically advanced daily life. Juniper uses an implanted pacemaker-like clock to regulate his sleep and follows a routine that includes automated meals, AI-assisted work, and leisure activities like gardening and model train building. He works remotely for Enstro Technologies, fact-checking global news reports and ensuring the accuracy of communication in a world heavily influenced by AI. His wife, Leonder, also works from home, creating pottery that decorates their distinctive home. The chapter explores themes of nostalgia, the challenges of modern technology, and the human need for escape, as Juniper reflects on the complexities of his work and the world’s precarious state. Despite the advancements, he finds solace in his hobbies and fleeting moments of prayer, yearning for a simpler, better life.
It’s a Wonderful Life – 2060
Chapter Eleven – Let’s See What Happens
Chapter 11 focuses on Juniper's visit to Indiana, Pennsylvania, to present his proposal to Faye and Nancy, representatives of The Jimmy Stewart Museum and the county's tourism bureau. Juniper and his colleague Falon travel via a zero-emission hydroelectric air shuttle and arrive at the Dobian Hotel before heading to the museum. The chapter highlights Juniper's ambitious nature and his struggle to balance his big-picture thinking with practical considerations.
During the meeting, Juniper learns about the museum's financial challenges, its reliance on tourism and donations, and the limited resources of the county. Falon emphasizes the need to enhance the county's attractions by leveraging Jimmy Stewart's legacy, including his films and iconic role in It’s a Wonderful Life. Faye and Nancy express their willingness to collaborate with Juniper despite uncertainties about funding and feasibility. Juniper adjusts his proposal based on the information shared and commits to working with the team to develop a plan that benefits the community.