Bits are not edible; in that sense they cannot stop hunger. Computers are not moral; they cannot resolve complex issues like the rights to life and to death. But being digital, nevertheless, does give much cause for optimism. Like a force of nature, the digital age cannot be denied or stopped. It has four very powerful qualities that will result in its ultimate triumph: decentralizing, globalizing, harmonizing, and empowering … A new generation is emerging from the digital landscape free of many of the old prejudices. These kids are released from the limitation of geographic proximity as a sole basis of friendship, collaboration, play, and neighborhood … The information superhighway may be mostly hype today, but is an understatement about tomorrow. It will exist beyond people’s wildest predictions.
Predictor: Negroponte, Nicholas
Prediction, in context:In his 1995 book “Being Digital,” Nicholas Negroponte writes: ”Bits are not edible; in that sense they cannot stop hunger. Computers are not moral; they cannot resolve complex issues like the rights to life and to death. But being digital, nevertheless, does give much cause for optimism. Like a force of nature, the digital age cannot be denied or stopped. It has four very powerful qualities that will result in its ultimate triumph: decentralizing, globalizing, harmonizing, and empowering … The traditional centralist views of life will become a thing of the past. The nation-state itself is subject to tremendous change and globalization. Governments 50 years from now will be both larger and smaller … The forces of nationalism make it too easy to by cynical and dismiss any broad-stroke attempt at work unification. But in the digital world, previously impossible solutions become viable … A new generation is emerging from the digital landscape free of many of the old prejudices. These kids are released from the limitation of geographic proximity as a sole basis of friendship, collaboration, play, and neighborhood. Digital technology can be a natural force drawing people into greater world harmony. The harmonizing effect of being digital is already apparent as previously partitioned disciplines and enterprises find themselves collaborating, not competing. But more than anything, my optimism comes from the empowering nature of being digital. The access, the mobility, and the ability to effect change are what will make the future so different from the present. The information superhighway may be mostly hype today, but is an understatement about tomorrow. It will exist beyond people’s wildest predictions. As children appropriate a global information resource, and as they discover that only adults need learner’s permits, we are bound to find new hope and dignity where very little existed before.”
Biography:Nicholas Negroponte, a co-founder of MIT’s Media Lab and a popular speaker and writer about technologies of the future, wrote one of the 1990s’ best-selling books about the new future of communications, “Being Digital.” (Pioneer/Originator.)
Date of prediction: February 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: General, Overarching Remarks
Subtopic: General
Name of publication: Being Digital (book)
Title, headline, chapter name: Epilogue: An Age of Optimism
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Pages 229-231
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Guarino, Jennifer Anne