A pessimist tends to believe in the "good old days." An optimist tends to believe in the future. So the above question can be a test as to your real inclinations. I am a firm believer in the view that major social advances are usually technologically driven. The quality of life today is greatly enhanced by the technologies of medicine, communication, sanitation, transportation, mechanical engineering, and the like. Since I am an optimist I would very much like to take a glance at the world 500 years from today. I'm sure there would be some marvels from today's point of view, though probably largely taken for granted at the time. The future generation will ask "Ho-hum, what's next?" Technology always has momentous implications for societal institutions, even accepted ethical practices. Yes, it would be fascinating to get a glimpse in the future 500 years from today.
Print Page
