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Mobile Phones – Arthur C. Clarke (1964)
Arthur C. Clarke, a science fiction author with a knack for gazing into the future, made a prediction in 1964 that seems almost magical in hindsight. During a BBC interview, Clarke described a world where people would carry personal communicators in their pockets—devices that would not only let you talk to anyone, anywhere, but also handle your banking and more. Fast forward to today, and smartphones have become an extension of ourselves, capable of everything from video chats to mobile banking. It’s wild to think that Clarke imagined this decades before the first brick-like cell phones even existed. According to Statista, by 2021, more than 3.8 billion people worldwide owned smartphones, turning Clarke’s vision into an everyday reality. The idea of having a “pocket computer” sounded like pure science fiction in the 60s, yet now it’s so normal that most of us don’t even pause to marvel at it. Clarke’s prediction didn’t just hit the mark—it basically described 21st-century life to a T.
The Internet – Mark Twain (1898)
Mark Twain, known for his wit and wisdom, made a prediction in 1898 that seems shockingly modern. In his story “From the ‘London Times’ of 1904,” Twain created something he called the “telelectroscope”—a global information network that could connect people from all over the world. He imagined a system that would let people share news, communicate instantly, and access information across continents. Today, the internet has made all of that possible and more. According to Internet World Stats, by 2021, there were over 4.9 billion internet users globally—more than half the planet’s population. Twain’s fictional network isn’t just a quaint idea; it’s the backbone of our society now. The way we learn, work, and connect with others has been transformed by this invention, just like Twain imagined over a hundred years ago.
Earbuds – Ray Bradbury (1953)
Ray Bradbury’s 1953 novel “Fahrenheit 451” contains a detail that would make any modern tech lover smile. He wrote about “little seashells… thimble radios tamped tight” in people’s ears—a pretty spot-on description of today’s wireless earbuds. Think about it: AirPods and other earbuds are so common now that millions of people walk around with tiny speakers in their ears, listening to music, podcasts, and phone calls. Grand View Research reports that the global wireless earbuds market could reach $30 billion by 2027. Bradbury’s futuristic vision wasn’t just about gadgets; it was about how technology becomes part of our daily habits—something we rarely think twice about. His description, written before most homes even had stereo systems, now sounds like he was describing a morning train ride in 2025.
Credit Cards – Edward Bellamy (1888)
Edward Bellamy’s late 19th-century novel “Looking Backward” painted a picture of a cashless society where people use “credit cards” to access their accounts. At the time, this must have seemed wildly futuristic. Today, credit and debit cards are the default way to pay for just about anything. The Federal Reserve reported that there were about 1.2 billion credit cards in use in the United States alone in 2020. The rise of digital wallets and contactless payments has pushed us even closer to the cashless world Bellamy envisioned. His prediction captured not just a new technology, but a whole new way of thinking about money and convenience—a shift that’s changed how we live, shop, and even travel.
Self-Driving Cars – Norman Bel Geddes (1939)
Norman Bel Geddes might not be a household name, but his 1939 book “Magic Motorways” contains one of the most jaw-dropping predictions: cars that drive themselves. He imagined highways full of automated vehicles, where humans could leave the driving to the machines. Now, with companies like Tesla, Waymo, and others pushing self-driving technology to new heights, this idea is no longer just a fantasy. Allied Market Research says the global market for autonomous vehicles is projected to reach $557 billion by 2026. The journey isn’t over yet, but Geddes’ vision is closer than ever before. The idea of reading a book or taking a nap while your car does all the work is starting to look less like science fiction and more like the next big thing in transportation.
Satellite Communication – Arthur C. Clarke (1945)
Arthur C. Clarke appears again on this list, and for good reason. In 1945, he published a paper that laid out how geostationary satellites could be used for global communication. This idea was so ahead of its time that some people thought it was impossible. Today, satellites play a part in everything from TV and weather forecasting to GPS and global internet access. The Union of Concerned Scientists counted more than 2,800 active satellites orbiting Earth as of 2021. Clarke’s prediction didn’t just inspire a new industry—it changed how the world connects, navigates, and even spies. It’s hard to imagine daily life today without the invisible web of satellites above our heads, quietly making everything work.
Moon Landing – Jules Verne (1865)
Jules Verne’s ability to dream big was legendary. In his 1865 novel “From the Earth to the Moon,” Verne described a mission that would send people to the moon. He imagined a launch from Florida, a spacecraft carrying three astronauts, and a daring adventure that mirrored Apollo 11’s real journey in 1969—over a century later. The historical parallels are uncanny, right down to the number of crew members and the launch location. Verne’s story inspired generations of scientists and explorers, planting the seeds for human space travel long before rockets existed. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the wildest stories can become tomorrow’s headlines.
Smartwatches – “Dick Tracy” Comic (1946)
Back in 1946, the comic strip detective Dick Tracy sported a wristwatch with a built-in two-way radio. At the time, it was pure fantasy—something only a super-sleuth could dream of. Fast forward to the present and smartwatches like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch have made this gadget a reality. Statista says global smartwatch sales hit 141 million units in 2020, proving that people love the idea of technology on their wrists. These devices do much more than just tell time—they track health, play music, and let you answer calls. Chester Gould, the creator of Dick Tracy, couldn’t have known how spot-on his vision would turn out to be.
Virtual Reality – Stanley G. Weinbaum (1935)
Stanley G. Weinbaum’s 1935 short story “Pygmalion’s Spectacles” introduced the world to the idea of virtual reality goggles. He described a headset that could create lifelike, immersive experiences for the wearer. Today, devices like the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR have brought this dream to life. Fortune Business Insights predicts the global virtual reality market could reach $57.55 billion by 2027. Weinbaum’s story captured the wonder and potential of stepping into another world—an experience that’s now available to anyone with a VR headset. The technology is used for everything from gaming to medical training, showing just how far a simple story can go.
Telescreens – George Orwell (1949)
George Orwell’s “1984” painted a chilling picture of a society under constant surveillance, with giant “telescreens” that both broadcast and monitored citizens. While the book was meant as a warning, the parallels to today’s world are impossible to ignore. Smart TVs, home assistants, and surveillance cameras are everywhere, and concerns about privacy are growing. A Pew Research Center survey in 2021 found that 81% of Americans feel they have little control over the data companies collect about them. Orwell’s vision captured not just the technology but the anxiety that comes with it—a world where someone might always be watching, even if it’s just your TV.
Tablets & Voice Assistants – Star Trek (1960s)
The original “Star Trek” series from the 1960s showed characters using devices like the PADD (Personal Access Display Device), which looked a lot like today’s tablets. They also talked to computers and got answers back—just like we do now with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Back then, this was pure science fiction, but now it’s just how things work. Millions of people use tablets for everything from video calls to reading, and voice assistants help with shopping lists, reminders, and controlling smart homes. The show’s vision of seamlessly integrated technology is now part of daily life, proving that sometimes TV shows get it right.
Social Media – David Bowie (1999)
In a 1999 BBC interview, David Bowie made a prediction that now seems downright prophetic. He described the internet as an “alien life form” that would dramatically change the relationship between individuals and society. Bowie foresaw the rise of social media—platforms that would reshape how we interact, share, and even see ourselves. He wasn’t just talking about technology, but about the cultural upheaval that would come with it. Today, social media is a force that influences elections, sparks movements, and connects billions. Bowie’s insight captured the weird, unpredictable energy of the internet age before Facebook or Twitter even existed.
DNA Editing – Aldous Huxley (1932)
Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” imagined a future where scientists could edit human genes to create a perfectly controlled society. This seemed like a wild idea in 1932, but with the discovery of CRISPR technology, gene editing has become a reality. Scientists can now alter DNA to fight diseases, repair genetic disorders, and even design crops with special traits. The ethical debates Huxley raised are still with us, as society tries to balance the promise and peril of playing with the building blocks of life. What once seemed like dystopian fiction is now a real-world challenge.
Online Shopping – Isaac Asimov (1964)
In a 1964 article for The New York Times, Isaac Asimov wrote that people would shop from home using computers. At the time, computers were huge and rare, so the idea of buying clothes or groceries online felt like a fantasy. Today, online shopping is a multitrillion-dollar industry. Amazon, eBay, and other e-commerce sites have made it possible for anyone to order nearly anything from the comfort of their couch. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, with millions relying on online stores for everything from food to furniture. Asimov’s prediction wasn’t just right—it’s how the world shops now.
Google Glass – William Gibson (1984)
In his 1984 novel “Neuromancer,” William Gibson described wearable tech that could overlay information onto reality, letting users see data and messages as they moved through the world. This sounds a lot like Google Glass and other augmented reality (AR) devices. While Google Glass itself hasn’t taken over daily life, AR tech is growing fast, from smartphone apps to advanced headsets used in industry and medicine. Gibson’s vision of a world where digital and physical realities blend together feels more real with each passing year.
Bluetooth & Wireless Headsets – “Star Trek” (Uhura, 1966)
Lieutenant Uhura from the original “Star Trek” series wore a wireless earpiece that let her communicate with the crew—a striking preview of today’s Bluetooth headsets. Now, wireless earphones are everywhere, freeing people from tangled cords and letting them stay connected on the go. The convenience and sleek design of modern wireless tech would have seemed almost magical in the 1960s. “Star Trek” didn’t just entertain—it inspired real-world inventions that have become everyday essentials.
3D Printing – Arthur C. Clarke (1964)
Arthur C. Clarke once again showed his predictive genius by suggesting that, in the future, we could “replicate objects electronically”—a concept that’s strikingly similar to modern 3D printing. Today, 3D printers are used in everything from medicine (printing organs and prosthetics) to manufacturing and even food. The technology allows for rapid prototyping and on-demand production, transforming industries and sparking creativity worldwide. Clarke’s idea, once just a thought experiment, is now a tool that’s reshaping the way we build and create.
Space Tourism – “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968)
The 1968 film “2001: A Space Odyssey” depicted commercial spaceflights and hotels orbiting Earth—ideas that companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are working to make real. While most people can’t book a ticket to space just yet, the dream of space tourism is closer than ever. In recent years, private citizens have orbited the Earth and even visited the International Space Station. The film’s vision of everyday people experiencing space is on the horizon, hinting at a future where such adventures could become as routine as flying across the country.
Touchscreens – Stanley Kubrick (1968)
In the same film, “2001: A Space Odyssey,” director Stanley Kubrick showed astronauts using flat-panel touch devices to control their spaceship. At the time, the idea of a touchscreen was pure fantasy—most computers still used punch cards. Today, touchscreens are everywhere, from smartphones and tablets to cars and kitchen appliances. The simple act of swiping and tapping to interact with technology has become second nature, just as Kubrick imagined. His artistic vision ended up predicting one of the most intuitive and widespread interface changes in technology history.
Global Warming Awareness – “Soylent Green” (1973)
The 1973 film “Soylent Green” painted a grim picture of a world ravaged by overpopulation and environmental disaster. Its storyline warned of global warming, food shortages, and pollution—a scenario that feels eerily timely. Scientists now warn that the world faces serious climate risks if greenhouse gas emissions aren’t curbed. The movie’s environmental themes predicted a future that, unfortunately, looks a lot like our present. The push for sustainability and climate action has become a global priority, echoing the film’s warnings about what happens if we ignore the health of our planet.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
