The Future

Jules Verne is one of the early writers of science fiction. Born on this day in 1828, he wrote some of history’s most widely read books. His father hoped he would follow in his footsteps and become an attorney, but Verne fell in love with literature and the theatre and decided to write full time.

When his father pressured him to join his law practice, Verne responded, “Am I not right to follow my own instincts? I realize what I can be one day.” He dreamed of a new kind of literature that would combine science with adventure. He called this approach novels of science, hoping to take readers along on “extraordinary journeys.”

His works challenged the imagination with ideas that seemed far-fetched to some. Describing his novels, he wrote, “My object has been to depict the earth … and the universe.”

Verne’s works seem prophetic in some ways. He wrote about a future that, in many ways, developed as he predicted. He wrote about space, air, and underwater travel before airplanes and submarines were invented, and before there was any space travel. At the same time, many of his predictions proved unrealistic.

We are reminded that even the most insightful human beings have a limited grasp on the future. No one has a perfect understanding, even brilliant thinkers like Jules Verne.

Today, remember to place your trust in God. Seek Him about the issues you face today. And commit your future to Him.