Meet Frank Ogden, a.k.a. Dr. Tomorrow.
Frank was a futurist and a regular on my father’s radio talk show in the mid 90’s. As producer of the show, Frank and I would dig deep into his predictions.
He predicted everyone, even toddlers, would have their own personal handheld computer to look at the internet anywhere, anytime.
As a mother of preschoolers, I scoffed at the idea. We had just bought our first Mac Performa and couldn’t imagine it.
He saw turbulent years ahead as society transitioned into a digital world.
“In years past we had decades to absorb the changes the industrial and electronic revolutions brought, but today, we've got a weekend,” he said.
Could this explain why society is anxiety fuelled? The world is changing so fast, it’s hard to absorb, let alone keep up.
Here’s just a few of the advancements coming in 2024.
The rise of generative AI and computational creativity. Intelligent assistant’s, which will mean a shift from bots to personal agents.
An outer space economy that includes private space flight. Electric vehicles with no steering wheels. Medical advancements with CRISPR tailoring your health needs to your genes - all with the backdrop of constant geopolitical uncertainty. No wonder we are stressed with the world in constant mutation.
Mans insatiable desire for ‘better’ is what drives us, but it’s unsettling as we constantly experience profound transformations.
Dr. Tomorrow was an optimist. He saw the future as bright from the vantage point of his houseboat in Coal Harbour communicating with the outside world.
As we sit with our bubbles on new years eve, let’s be like Frank Ogden…celebrate the virtues of new technology, knowing that despite its rapidity there is beauty in an advancing world and a way to live in it with peace and grace.
Ingrid Abbott is a writer who wishes everyone a healthy and happy new year.
