The prediction, in brief:

You should be able to link microcapital to microtrade to micromarkets to microtechnologies, and get a global economic system which is much more finely granulated than the coarse system that we now have … what I’m saying is, computers are going to drive down the cost of the money system. Computers are going to make possible microtrade, they’re going to make possible microinvestments, and microcultures. The dangerous and difficult part of this is that it also makes possible micro-weaponry. Changes cannot happen without intense conflicts as power shifts in the world.

Predictor: Toffler, Alvin

Prediction, in context:

In a 1993 article for Wired magazine, futurist Peter Schwartz, a co-founder of the Global Business Network, discusses the high-tech future that will develop out of a knowledge-based world with futurist Alvin Toffler, the co-author (with his wife Heidi Toffler) of “Future Shock,” “The Third Wave” and “War and Anti-War.” Schwartz quotes Toffler saying:”We need to create micro investment. Microcapital is what we call it. You should be able to link microcapital to microtrade to micromarkets to microtechnologies, and get a global economic system which is much more finely granulated than the coarse system that we now have … what I’m saying is, computers are going to drive down the cost of the money system. Computers are going to make possible microtrade, they’re going to make possible microinvestments, and microcultures. The dangerous and difficult part of this is that it also makes possible micro-weaponry. Changes cannot happen without intense conflicts as power shifts in the world.”

Biography:

Alvin Toffler was a futurist and best-selling author in the 1990s. He teamed up with his wife, Heidi, to write the bestsellers “Future Shock,” “The Third Wave” and “War and Anti-War.” (Futurist/Consultant.)

Date of prediction: January 1, 1993

Topic of prediction: Global Relationships/Politics

Subtopic: General

Title, headline, chapter name: Shock Wave (Anti) Warrior

Quote Type: Direct quote

Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/1.05/toffler_pr.html

This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney