Why Imagine the New Contract?

Building on the Social Contract Incubator’s extensive experience in advocating for the proposals outlined in this volume, this chapter examines the unique communicative challenges faced by contemporary constitutional reformers. To meet these challenges, the authors propose the (re)introduction of storytelling as a vital tool for constitutional discourse. At the heart of their approach lies the concept of a “dream”—a narrative structure designed to provoke thought, inspire aspiration, and ignite the imagination. Drawing on the traditions of Law and Literature, deliberative democracy, and foresight research, the chapter demonstrates how storytelling can fulfill these essential functions. With this interdisciplinary foundation, the authors present a conceptual framework that guides the narratives explored in Chapters 8–12, highlighting the transformative potential of storytelling in shaping constitutional reform.