Futurism List of predictions

doomsday equation (1960): heinz von foerster extrapolated historical population data predict infinite human population 2026.
future shock (1970) alvin toffler considered change moving fast humans cope.
engines of creation (1986) k. eric drexler involves molecular nanotechnology changing world, , introduces grey goo scenario.
the end of history , last man (1992, francis fukuyama) heralded arrival of end point of mankind s ideological evolution , universalization of western liberal democracy final form of human government. thesis has since been disavowed author.
the clash of civilizations samuel p. huntington, published in foreign affairs, volume 72, number 3, summer 1993 , later expanded book, states fundamental source of conflict in new world not ideological or economic. great divisions among humankind , dominating source of conflict cultural. nation states remain powerful actors in world affairs, principal conflicts of global politics occur between nations , groups of different civilizations. clash of civilizations dominate global politics. fault lines between civilizations battle lines of future.
the coming technological singularity (1993, vernor vinge) - prediction of imminent acceleration of progress caused increasing speed of computers , developments in ai.
an illustrated speculative timeline of future technology , social change (1993-2008, j.r. mooneyham)
ray kurzweil concerned idea of singularity , many more optimistic technological , transhumanist predictions.
why future doesn t need (april 2000) - essay warning dangers of robotics, genetic engineering, , nanotechnology humanity. essay has achieved wide exposure because of bill joy s prominence.
arthur c. clarke:

no 1 can see future. try outline possible futures - although totally expected inventions or events can render predictions absurd after few years. classic example statement, made in late 1940s, chairman of ibm world market computers five. have more in own office.

perhaps in no position criticise: in 1971 predicted first mars landing in 1994; ll lucky if make 2010. on other hand, thought being wildly optimistic in 1951 suggesting mission moon in 1978. neil armstrong , buzz aldrin beat me decade.

still, take pride in fact communications satellites placed suggested in 1945, , name clarke orbit used (if because s easier geostationary orbit ).

some of event listed here, particularly space missions, scheduled. believe other events happen, although several, hope, not. check me accuracy - on december 31, 2000.



tomorrow now: imagining next 50 years bruce sterling in 2002. popular science approach on futurology, reflecting technology, politics , culture of next 50 years.
our final hour martin rees in 2003. book presents notion earth , human survival in far greater danger potential effects of modern technology commonly realised. hence 21st century may critical moment in history when humanity s fate decided. rees gained controversy, , notoriety, estimating probability of extinction before 2100 ad around 50%. based on possibility of malign or accidental release of destructive technology , gained attention well-regarded astronomer.
dark age ahead jane jacobs in 2004. implies book warns of pessimistic future, in case caused decay in science, community, , education.




^ how advances in technology may reshape humanity illustrated speculative timeline of future technology , social change @ www.jrmooneyham.com
^ clarke, arthur c. sir arthur c. clarke s predictions . readers digest. retrieved 29 july 2013. 
^ imagining future