A historical wonder (e.g., the Tower of Babel, the Colossus of Rhodes, or an abandoned architectural project) had been successfully completed and preserved until today. How would it impact tourism, culture, or architecture?
If the Lighthouse of Alexandria had never been destroyed, it would still be one of the most visited sites in the world.
A Renaissance artist suddenly appears in today’s world and sees digital art, AI-generated paintings, and virtual museums. How do they react?
If Michelangelo saw digital paintings today, he would be shocked by how art has evolved.
A legendary musician died young before they could complete their greatest work. Discuss how the music industry would have changed if they had lived longer.
If Mozart had lived another 20 years, he might have composed even greater symphonies that would have shaped modern music differently.
A mission to Mars was canceled 20 years ago due to budget cuts. Scientists now believe humanity could have had a colony there by now. Discuss how space exploration would be different if that mission had happened.
If the Mars mission hadn’t been canceled, we might already have people living on another planet.
A government banned a controversial piece of art or literature in the past. Now, people see it as a masterpiece. Speculate on how history would have changed if it had been accepted earlier.
If this book hadn’t been banned in the 19th century, it might have influenced more writers back then.
A major war (e.g., World War I, the Cold War, or the Napoleonic Wars) had been avoided through diplomacy. How would history have unfolded differently?
If World War I had never happened, the world map might look completely different today.
Imagine you once received an invitation to an event, trip, or opportunity but decided not to go. Maybe it was a last-minute party, a travel opportunity, or a networking event. What if you had said yes? How might your life be different now?
If I had accepted that invitation to the conference, I might have met someone who changed my career.
A famous painter from the past (e.g., Van Gogh) was never recognized during their lifetime. Discuss how things would be different if their work had been appreciated earlier.
If Van Gogh’s paintings had been popular when he was alive, he wouldn’t have struggled so much with poverty.
An ancient civilization’s artworks and literature were destroyed in a war. Discuss how modern art and culture would be different if those works had survived.
If the Library of Alexandria hadn’t burned down, we might have had access to knowledge that could have changed modern art and literature.
Another civilization (e.g., the Chinese, Vikings, or Arab explorers) had discovered the Americas before Columbus, and colonization had happened differently. How would history have changed?
If the Vikings had colonized the Americas permanently, North America might have a completely different culture today.
A friend regrets quitting their job last year.
If you hadn't quit your job, you would still be earning a good salary.