In an era of social and economic crises, positive thinkers still exist who seek greater light at the end of the tunnel, even through extreme paradigm shifts. Their optimism comes from a higher vision of humanity, as well as new research that can help us move towards a positive future. Technologies from clean energy and self-driving cars to instantaneous travel may seem like far-out notions, but scientists in the know understand these as clear possibilities. It is more a matter of when rather than if.