We are watching something historic happen, and it will affect the world seismically, rocking us the same way the discover of the scientific method, the invention of printing, and the arrival of the Industrial Age did. If the Information Highway is able to increase the understanding citizens of one country have about their neighboring countries, and thereby reduce international tensions, that, in and of itself, could be sufficient to justify the cost of implementation. If it was used only by scientists, permitting them to collaborate more effectively to find cures for the still-incurable diseases, that alone would be invaluable. If the system were only for kids, so that they could pursue their interests in and out of the classroom, that by itself would transform the human condition.
Predictor: Gates, Bill
Prediction, in context:In his 1995 book “The Road Ahead,” Microsoft CEO Bill Gates writes: ”We are watching something historic happen, and it will affect the world seismically, rocking us the same way the discover of the scientific method, the invention of printing, and the arrival of the Industrial Age did. If the Information Highway is able to increase the understanding citizens of one country have about their neighboring countries, and thereby reduce international tensions, that, in and of itself, could be sufficient to justify the cost of implementation. If it was used only by scientists, permitting them to collaborate more effectively to find cures for the still-incurable diseases, that alone would be invaluable. If the system were only for kids, so that they could pursue their interests in and out of the classroom, that by itself would transform the human condition. The information highway won’t solve every problem, but it will be a positive force in many areas. It won’t roll out before us according to a preordained plan. There will be setbacks and unanticipated glitches. Some people will seize upon the setbacks to proclaim that the highway never really was more than hype. But on the highway, the early failures will just be learning experiences. The highway is going to happen.”
Biography:Bill Gates, the most influential technology entrepreneur of the late 20th century, was the primary author of the prediction-packed 1995 book “The Road Ahead” and is the founder and CEO of Microsoft Corporation. (Entrepreneur/Business Leader.)
Date of prediction: January 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: General, Overarching Remarks
Subtopic: General
Name of publication: The Road Ahead (book)
Title, headline, chapter name: Chapter 12: Critical Issues
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 273
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Guarino, Jennifer Anne