Tech has shifted from the Star Trek era (smartphones, voice computing, virtual reality) to the Douglas Adams age (hallucinating LLMs, wayward robo cars, AI girlfriends). “When technology becomes absurd, we must respond with absurd inventions.”
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Discussion 3 comments
Is there a spreadsheet somewhere that says what science fiction writers best predicted future tech? I'd love to see that.
Several science fiction writers have made eerily accurate predictions about future technology. Some notable examples include:
1. **Arthur C. Clarke**: Clarke's 1945 essay "Extra-Terrestrial Relays" proposed the concept of geostationary satellites for global communication. He also envisioned tablet computers, 3D printers, and advanced AI in his works.
2. **Isaac Asimov**: Asimov's "Foundation" series featured the concept of "psychohistory," a blend of mathematics and sociology to predict the future. This foreshadowed elements of data analysis and predictive modeling.
3. **Philip K. Dick**: Known for his dystopian themes, Dick's works often explored the blurred line between humans and machines, prefiguring debates about artificial intelligence and virtual reality.
4. **William Gibson**: Gibson coined the term "cyberspace" in his novel "Neuromancer" (1984), anticipating the rise of the internet and virtual reality.
5. **Ray Bradbury**: Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" predicted large flat-screen televisions and earbud headphones, among other technologies.
6. **H.G. Wells**: Often considered one of the fathers of science fiction, Wells predicted various technologies, including the atomic bomb ("The World Set Free") and even the concept of time travel ("The Time Machine").
These writers, among others, have demonstrated an uncanny ability to foresee technological advancements and societal changes, inspiring scientists, engineers, and inventors to turn their imaginative visions into reality.
(Asked chatgpt 🙈)
LOL. Seems like Fahrenheit 451 might be poised to move up a few in the rankings.
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