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12 Predictions of the Present by the People in the Past

Edited By: Natalia J.

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It’s fair to say that no one expected to have a portable electronic device that will serve to connect us all and have a myriad of mind-boggling features and apps by the early 21st century. And here we are with our smartphones and laptops... But what did the previous generations expect the modern world to be like, then? Futuristic magazine illustrations, newspaper excerpts, and concept designs from the 20th century (like the ones we will share with you) help us get a general idea. Some of them are eerily accurate, while others are complete flops, but they’re super entertaining!

1. An artist's depiction of the future, painted in 1930. Spot on!

Future Predictions An artist's depiction of the future, painted in 1930

Image Source: Reddit

2. A 50s navigation system

Future Predictions A 50s navigation system

Image Source: Reddit

3. The future of phones from the perspective of 1956

Future Predictions The future of phones from the perspective of 1956

Image Source: Reddit

4. The 1940s vision of the future of food delivery

Future Predictions 1940s vision of the future of food delivery

Image Source: Reddit

5. Yes, it can be done, and it's called the news

Image Source: Reddit

6. A 1970s futuristic concept of a jetliner, the future of air travel. We are still waiting for all that leg space!

Future Predictions 1970s futuristic concept of a jetliner,

Image Source: Reddit

7. A Soviet illustration of the city of the future, the 1930s

Future Predictions A Soviet illustration of the city of the future, the 1930s

Image Source: Reddit

8. NASA's vision of life in space

Future Predictions NASA's vision of life in space

Image Source: Boredpanda

9. "This was an actual spacesuit Grumman Aircraft Corp tried to sell NASA in 1962."

Future Predictions an actual spacesuit Grumman Aircraft Corp tried to sell NASA in 1962.

Image Source: Reddit

Related Article: 12 Postcards From 1900 That Predicted Life In 2000

10. The Monsanto House of the Future (1957)

Future Predictions Monsanto House of the Future 1957

Image Source: Reddit

11. Self-driving cars, as imagined in the 1960s.

Future Predictions Self-driving cars, as imagined in the 1960s

Image Source: Reddit

12. The 2020 Olympic Games, we're sorry to disappoint...

Image Source: Reddit

Share these cool illustrations with those who love history!

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