While literature can teach us about the world and ourselves, it can always make predictions for the future. Cue the father of science fiction, Isaac Asimov, writer of the classic Foundation and Robot series – one of which became with film I, Robot with Will Smith. In 1964, Asimov published an essay Visit to the World’s Fair of 2014, where he made predictions about what society would be like in fifty years’ time.

And he wasn’t far off: ‘Communication will become sight-sound and you will see as well as hear the person you telephone’. Definitely true as most people have smart phones which allow them to have ‘Face Time’. Although not every prediction was accurate, I kind of wish this one was: ‘Bridges will also be of less importance, since cars will be capable of crossing water on their jets.’ You can read the full essay here and visit the current BBC feature on the essay.

Do you know of any other great writers who make predictions like Asimov’s?

Sophie, Editorial Administrator