The prediction, in brief:

For those who have a connection to it, the highway will substantially reduce the drawbacks of living outside a big city. As a consultant or employee involved in a service-related field, you will be able to collaborate easily from virtually anywhere. As a consumer, you will be able to get advice – financial, legal, even some medial – without leaving your house. Flexibility is going to be increasingly important as everyone tries to balance family life with work life … Educational programming will be extensive. All of this will liberate those who would like to abandon city living.

Predictor: Gates, Bill

Prediction, in context:

In his 1995 book “The Road Ahead,” Microsoft CEO Bill Gates writes:”For those who have a connection to it, the highway will substantially reduce the drawbacks of living outside a big city. As a consultant or employee involved in a service-related field, you will be able to collaborate easily from virtually anywhere. As a consumer, you will be able to get advice – financial, legal, even some medial – without leaving your house. Flexibility is going to be increasingly important as everyone tries to balance family life with work life. You won’t always have to travel to see friends and family or to play games. Cultural interactions will be available via the information highway, although I’m not suggesting that a Broadway or West End musical will be the same experience in your living room as it is in a New York or London theater. However, improvements in screen sizes and resolutions will enhance all video, including movies, in the home. Educational programming will be extensive. All of this will liberate those who would like to abandon city living.”

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: Economic structures

Subtopic: Telecommuting

Name of publication: The Road Ahead (book)

Title, headline, chapter name: Chapter 7: Implications for Business

Quote Type: Direct quote

Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 155

This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Guarino, Jennifer Anne