With today’s technological advances, we often venture to predict the future. Looking back over history, many scientists and scholars have made erroneous predictions. Statements that, over time, turned out to be wrong. The problem is that these statements are recorded, sometimes becoming an object of ridicule.
Wrong predictions included flying machines
An example of a wrong prediction comes from the prestigious New York Times. In October 1903 he published an editorial titled “Flying Machines That Don’t Fly.” He concluded that the actual evolution of these machines would take between one million and 10 million years. However, a month and a half later, the Wright brothers made the first sustained flight in history.
Lord Kelvin, also known as William Thompson, a prominent English lawyer, had several failed predictions. In 1895 he stated that heavier-than-air flying machines were impossible. Furthermore, in 1897 he declared that radio had no future and that X-rays were a hoax.
Creation of the automobile
At times, these futuristic predictions have prevented some people from improving their lives financially. This is the case of Horace Rakham, in charge of drafting documents for the creation of the Henry Ford automobile company.
On that occasion he had the opportunity to invest, but he consulted with a friend who thought that automobiles were a fad, a novelty. Furthermore, horses are here to stay as a means of transportation and cargo. As a result, Rakham did not invest in Ford, and it is well known what has happened to the car since then.
Television
In 1926, Lee DeForest, a radio pioneer with numerous patents, made a dangerous prediction about television. He assured that although it was theoretically and technically feasible, it was financially impossible. However, he was not the only skeptic; The New York Times also weighed in. During the World’s Fair, he claimed that people didn’t have time to fix their eyes on the screen.
In 1946, Darryl Zanuck, founder of 20th Century Fox, predicted that television would never retain an audience. Furthermore, he assured that the public would quickly get bored of the screen contained in a wooden box. Today, 80% of Americans watch television every night.
An open mind avoids erroneous predictions in technology
Ken Olsen, creator of DEC, a microcomputer manufacturer, refused to support the development and marketing of personal computers. TOHe argued that there was no reason why a person would want to have a computer in their home.
The wrong predictions
These erroneous predictions highlight the difficulty of anticipating the course of technology and social evolution. Throughout history, we have seen how brilliant minds have underestimated the potential of innovations that are now fundamental to our daily lives.
These lessons from the past should remind us of the importance of keeping an open mind in the face of emerging technological advances. The future may bring surprises that will challenge our current perceptions.
In an ever-changing world, humility and willingness to adapt are crucial qualities. What seems impossible today could become the reality of tomorrow.
