Nikola Tesla, 1926
• In an interview published in “Colliers Magazine” predicting the invention of cell phones, in 1926: “We shall be able to communicate with one another instantly, irrespective of distance. Through television and telephony we shall see and hear one another as perfectly as though we were face to face, despite intervening distances of thousands of miles; and the instruments through which we shall be able to do this will be amazingly simple compared with our present telephone. A man will be able to carry one in his vest pocket. We shall be able to witness and hear events--the inauguration of a President, the playing of a world series game, the havoc of an earthquake or the terror of a battle--just as though we were present.”
ROGER EBERT, 1987
• Predicting the inevitability of streaming services, in an interview for “Omni” magazine, 1987: “We will have high-definition, wide-screen television sets and a push-button dialing system to order the movie you want at the time you want it. You’ll not go to a video store but instead order a movie on demand and then pay for it. Videocassette tapes as we know them now will be obsolete both for showing prerecorded movies and for recording movies. People will record films on 8mm and will play them back using laser-disk/CD technology…. With this revolution in delivery and distribution, anyone, in any size town or hamlet, will see the movies he or she wants to see.”
FERDINAND FOCH, 1919
• Following the end of WW I, predicting the start of WW II: “This is not a peace. It is an armistice for 20 years.” World War II started with Germany’s invasion of Poland 20 years, 2 months, and 3 days later.
WILLIAM TECUMSEH SHERMAN, 1860
- Union General Sherman, trying to explain to the Confederate South why they didn’t stand a chance if entered the Civil War, December, 1860: “You people of the South don’t know what you are doing. This country will be drenched in blood, and God only knows how it will end. It is all folly, madness, a crime against civilization! You people speak so lightly of war; you don’t know what you’re talking about. War is a terrible thing! You mistake, too, the people of the North. They are a peaceable people but an earnest people, and they will fight, too. They are not going to let this country be destroyed without a mighty effort to save it… Besides, where are your men and appliances of war to contend against them? The North can make a steam engine, locomotive, or railway car; hardly a yard of cloth or pair of shoes can you make. You are rushing into war with one of the most powerful, ingeniously mechanical, and determined people on Earth—right at your doors. You are bound to fail. Only in your spirit and determination are you prepared for war. In all else you are totally unprepared, with a bad cause to start with. At first you will make headway, but as your limited resources begin to fail, shut out from the markets of Europe as you will be, your cause will begin to wane.”
BILL GATES, 1999
- Interviewed in “Business” magazine, 1999: “Private websites for your friends and family will be common, allowing you to chat and plan for events.” (Facebook) “People looking for work will be able to find employment opportunities online by declaring their interest, needs and specialized skills.” (LinkedIn) “Devices will have smart advertising. They will know your purchasing trends, and will display advertisements tailored toward your preferences.”
