The physical world described by Isaac Newton in the 17th century led to the Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries. The insights into quantum behaviour in chemistry and physics, beginning in the late 19th century, set the table for microelectronics, lasers, radio and television, atomic energy, space travel and the Internet—technologies that would transform the 20th century.
In the 20th century the free market meant that increasingly large corporations, conglomerates and multinationals took over from personal wealth that enabled philanthropists, and altruism. Now companies are not owned by individuals but by shareholders. The majority of shareholders are not individuals but pension funds, insurance companies and banks. The “city’s” demand for quick and predictable returns discourages companies from long term research with unknown returns. Most company research is about evolution, not revolution. The iPhone is simply the miniaturisation and development of technologies that existed in the mid-20th century. A good design but not an invention. The Jumbo Jet (aka Boeing 747) went into commercial service in 1969. The shuttle was a development of existing rocket and flight technology.
Is this it? Do Televisions simply get bigger year after year, cars more fuel efficient and safer?
They haven’t always been here so what is going to replace them? What is going to replace the Internet? Is anybody trying?
In the 20th century the free market meant that increasingly large corporations, conglomerates and multinationals took over from personal wealth that enabled philanthropists, and altruism. Now companies are not owned by individuals but by shareholders. The majority of shareholders are not individuals but pension funds, insurance companies and banks. The “city’s” demand for quick and predictable returns discourages companies from long term research with unknown returns. Most company research is about evolution, not revolution. The iPhone is simply the miniaturisation and development of technologies that existed in the mid-20th century. A good design but not an invention. The Jumbo Jet (aka Boeing 747) went into commercial service in 1969. The shuttle was a development of existing rocket and flight technology.
Is this it? Do Televisions simply get bigger year after year, cars more fuel efficient and safer?
They haven’t always been here so what is going to replace them? What is going to replace the Internet? Is anybody trying?
