The World in 2030

The World in 2030 51
where there is no language, there can be no meaningful
thought.
By definition the invention of new technologies produces
actions and capabilities for which we have not yet invented
words and for which we do not have concepts. We struggle to
describe the capabilities of new technology by shoe-horning
existing words and concepts together.
For example, when the projector was first invented it was
called a ‘magic lantern’ and the railway locomotive was an
‘iron horse’. The automobile was a ‘horseless carriage’ and
the radio was a ‘wireless.’ A refrigerator was an ‘ice box’ and
an aeroplane was a ‘flying machine’ – you get my point.
But even though society lacked the language with which
to think about and describe new capabilities, technological
development continued on its ever quickening exponential
curve through the 20 th century – delivering automobiles,
television, computers, jet travel, space exploration, plastics,
high performance polymers and composites, computer
networks, the internet and mobile phones to mention just a
few 20 th century innovations.
The American futurist John Naisbitt explores the problems
that such accelerating development brings to society in his
2006 publication, ‘Mind Set! Reset Your Thinking And See
The Future’:
The advances of technology have always resulted in
social change. The discovery of fire led to warmth,
better food, and the beginning of real community.