Niall Ferguson, in his book "The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World," discusses the concept of the future not as a single, defined path but as a collection of unpredictable possibilities. He emphasizes that rather than a straightforward timeline, the future is filled with varied outcomes that are often unforeseen and can change rapidly, suggesting that our attempts to predict it may be futile.

This perspective on the future highlights the complexity of financial systems and human behavior, indicating that our understanding of past trends may not guarantee insight into what lies ahead. Ferguson’s assertion encourages a more open-minded view of financial planning and decision-making, acknowledging that surprises are a natural part of life in a constantly evolving world.