Walter Cronkite, a journalist who was considered one of the most trusted men in America, made predictions for the 21st century in April 1967. At that time, the world was going through significant changes due to advancements in science and technology. The late 1960s were a period of both great potential and fear as people saw the atom as both terrifying and amazing.
During this time, diseases like polio and measles were being conquered, the birth control pill was revolutionizing society, and advancements like laser technology were being invented. Cronkite’s vision for the future included magnets in roadways, the widespread use of hovercrafts, and home robots that would take care of nuisance chores.
Recently, Popular Science released a video breaking down what Walter Cronkite got right in his predictions for the 21st century. Although there were some inaccuracies in his visions for the future, his predictions were not entirely off base. If you want to learn more about the past, present, and future of technology and science, subscribe to Popular Science on YouTube for more original videos.
