Have We Lived Up To Our Expectations?

[Deepwater6]

I was glancing at the calendar in my office today and noticed that we are only a few short month's shy of 2014 already. 2014...seems hard to believe, this year is going by so quickly. I also reflected on the question a highschool teacher once asked our class in 1983. "What will the world be like in 2015"?(give or take)

 

I was just curious to know from anyone who chooses to contribute, From your perspective since the 1980's until now have we the human race (by and large) lived up to our expectations? fallen far short? ahead in some areas and way behind in others? Any comments would be appreciated.

[SaxonViolence]

A local bank ran a half page ad three of four times in the paper here back in the early '80s.

 

I wish that I'd have kept a copy—but I'd probably have lost it by now.

 

It was beautifully done in black and white along with some deep mustard yellow tones.

 

It showed huge numbers of flying cars that looked like Airborne Speed Boats, while egg-like cars ran at great speed in deeply grooved tracks on the ground.

 

There were huge numbers of Sky Scrapers in the background tied together by so many suspended walkways that they looked like cobwebs.

 

The caption said:

 

"The Future Is Not What It Used To Be."

 

Back in the Early '80s Mel Tappan had conclusively shown that we were headed for an imminent and inevitable Socio-Economic Collapse and life in the Third Millennium would be more like a "Roadwarrior" movie than anything else...

 

But in a Large and Untidy Universe the Impossible will happen occasionally...

 

It did and here we are.

 

Looking back from 1970 till now though:

 

I'm very disappointed in our lackluster exploration of space.

 

I'm disappointed that Doctors cannot regrow lost limbs or heal severed nerves.

 

I am disappointed at our Progress in Artificial Intelligence and in Creating Life-Like Robots.

 

But life is about disappointment and loss. Folks who say differently are trying to sell you something.

 

 

Saxon Violence

Edited September 12, 2013 by SaxonViolence

[Deepwater6]

I must agree with your assesment. The advances we thought we would would have in 2014/15 for space and the medical industry are dismal. No where near what was expected when thought about in the early 80's.

 

I expected a mission to Mars by now, or at least most of the ground work for the trip worked out. Even though the technology has been around for some time, my health care provider is just now starting to use it. It was only last year they went to computers with all your information logged in. This now allows specialist to see what/how the other doctors are treating you. It allows them to share vital information between each other. Many doctor offices still use manilla folders.

 

The only thing I can say we advanced in above my expectations is the cell/smart phones.