The document discusses how experts throughout history have failed to predict technological changes and advances. It provides examples of quotes from prominent figures who underestimated or dismissed new technologies like airplanes, computers, the internet, and iPods that later became mainstream. The document suggests that predictions of the future are difficult and that one should expect the unexpected when it comes to changes in technology and its impacts.

1. Expect the unexpected
Because change is constant

2. Hmv Annual Report 2002
“Contrary to some forecasts in recent years, the internet has
settled down to become a worthwhile but minority channel to
market. For example, internet book sales have plateaued at just
over 5% of the market, and it seems unlikely that there will be
sufficient demand to enable multiple operators to develop
profitably”

3. Lord Kelvin, mathematician, physicist, and President of The British Royal Society, 1865
“Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible”

4. Western Union internal memo,1876
“The telephone has too many shortcomings to be seriously
considered as a means of communication. The device is
inherently of no value to us”

5. Thomas Watson, Chairman of IBM, 1943
“I think there is a world market for about five computers”

6. Ken Olsen, President of DEC at The Convention Of The World Future Society, 1977
“There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in
their home”

7. Bill Gates, 1981
“640k ought to be enough for anybody”

8. Sir Alan Sugar, early 2005
“By the end of the year the ipod will be dead, kaput, finished”

9. David Cameron to his cabinet May 2016
“OK, let’s just get this referendum thing quickly out of the way
and get on with some real work”

10. Insert name here, 2017
Our workplace is fine and will continue to support the way we
work . . .

11.  mark@daleoffice.co.uk
 07456320503
 www.daleoffice.co.uk
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