In a world without smartphones or television, Low predicted the emergence of household radios, television machines, and the ability to access global information with just a push of a button.
In 1925, scientist and inventor Archibald Montgomery Low made bold predictions about "a day in the life of future humans." His ideas were once mocked as "too imaginative," but a century later, many predictions have come true.
In the book The Future, Low described a world where people would be awakened by radio alarm clocks, communicate through personal radio devices, and have breakfast with news through speakers and television images. He also envisioned shopping on escalators and moving sidewalks, what we now call escalators and travelators.
Other predictions, such as people wearing synthetic jumpsuits and using hidden cameras to catch criminals, also appeared in articles of that time.
Archibald Low, born in 1888, was not only a talented engineer and inventor but also a pioneer in many fields. He is known as the "father of radio wave guidance systems" due to his contributions to the development of airplanes, torpedo boats, and guided missiles.
In a world without smartphones or television, Low predicted the emergence of household radios, television machines, and the ability to access global information with just a push of a button. He envisioned that these devices would replace paper newspapers and become the main source of information for people.
He also predicted harnessing energy from wind and tides – something that investments in renewable energy today have turned into reality. Additionally, Low believed that machines would replace humans in heavy and unpleasant jobs, a concept very close to modern automation.
Alongside accurate predictions, Low also had some strange ideas. He envisioned using herbs to illuminate streets, electrified water to replace cavalry, and electronic communication between minds. Although these have not yet come to fruition, these ideas showcase his timeless creativity.
Some other predictions, such as women wearing pants being normal or determining gender before birth, have become reality. However, his conservative views on women's intelligence have caused much controversy.
Archibald Low passed away at the age of 68, leaving behind inspiring ideas. His predictions about modern life are not only a testament to his far-sighted vision but also encourage us to think about our own future.
As Jen Baldwin, a research expert at Findmypast, shared: "It is astonishing that a scientist a century ago could envision how primitive technology would change the world by 2025. This makes us wonder how today’s advancements will be experienced by our descendants in the future?"
