Help Predict the Future!

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One of the hallmarks of humanity is our predilection for philosophical thought: wondering just what we are, why we're here, and what's going to happen next is one of the biggest markers that separates us from simpler animals. And despite the massive pile of predictions for the future that have all missed the mark entirely, every once in awhile one is right or close enough to right that we go ahead and count it; and the fact is, it's just fun to prognosticate. And it's in that spirit that the New York Times is asking readers to compile a future timeline of human achievements and world events, starting next year...

 

Of course you might want to refresh yourself on human history, first.

 

Simply mouse-over the events (categorized as advances in Computation, Artificial Intelligence, Transportation & Lifestyle, and Communication) to read a quick blurb explaining what titles like "A.I. Government" or "Robot Wars" mean, see the year people predict it will happen, and then with the click of a button move the prediction forward or backward in time a few years.

 

Notice there's no entry for "You finally meet someone who loves you."

You can even make your own prediction, and while we certainly couldn't in good conscience ask you to spam their calendar with things like "Woot Becomes Largest Global Retailer" or "SmartPost Delivers First Package in Timely Fashion" or "Mortimer & Monte Dolls Become Self Aware, Thousands Dead," we don't know of any way they could stop you.

And speaking of Woot future events, take to the comments and give us YOUR predictions for the future of Woot. Tell us a year, an event, and if you're so inclined a brief explanation of your future-gibberish.

 



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