Most people love reading predictions. Perhaps it is human nature. We want to know stuff. What will the world be like in 10 years. Or 20? Or 50?
Some predictors have made a good living with their forecasts. If you have that incredible knack to get the odd one right, credibility builds and many deem you an expert. The fact is, predictions are based only on the best information you have available and cannot possibly always be true. Ask any weatherman or sports bookie!
What is fun is to read about predictions gone bad. I have a book and here are some of the predictions for your entertainment.
In the 1970s, Fredrick Davies predicted a Palestinian nation would be formed north of Israel. Electric cars would “come into their own” in 1982 and a manned Mars landing would occur between 1983-85. He added by 1988 one-third of all homes would use solar energy for cooking and heating and by 1990, private automobiles would be banned from city centres.
Maris de Long predicted several Philippine islands would disappear due to massive earthquake. A cure would be discovered for alcoholism and reports of UFOs would rise. He also predicted a coming Ice Age.
So much for that, all you global warming alarmists!
Jeanne Dixon predicted the biggest civil war in American history in the 1980s. On a positive note, aliens from UFOs would provide the world with knowledge to harness the sun’s energy. The Pope would cease to exists and the English monarchy would end after Queen Elizabeth II. She also predicted Canada and Brazil would become world powers and almost all children would be home-schooled.
Jenny Hale’s predictions gone bad? Most diseases would be eradicated. Magazines, books and newspapers would no longer exist and law enforcement would occur by means of psychic means. Underground living would be common, automobiles would be a thing of the past and by 2000 Christianity would enjoy a surge in popularity.
Kebrina Kinkade missed the mark on a few including one world currency by 2000, the abolishment of the United Nations, a vaccine is developed to cure cancer, the use of oil and gas will be outlawed, cigarettes will be banned and people forced to be sterilized if they had more than two children.
Not to be outdone by Jandolin Marks, who predicted Russian and Africa would go to war in 1987, one-third of all cars in the world would be electric, and humans would be living in space by 2000.
For better or worse, it is interesting to note many of these predictions may yet come true. Scientists are working on many of these predictions today. Common past predictions are vehicles will be banned and a cure for cancer will be discovered. May the latter be true!
In the meantime, let the fun continue! It seems the more bizarre a prediction is, the more popular it becomes. Predictions can cause a lively conversation and are at the very least, entertaining except for the constant reminders of the mistakes made by the ones who err.
Chris Clegg