Did Nikola Tesla really foresee modern smartphones nearly a century ago? It seems so. In a 1926 interview with Collier’s magazine, Tesla described a communication device so advanced and portable that it sounds remarkably like today’s smartphones.
Here’s the jaw-dropping quote:
“When wireless is perfectly applied the whole earth will be converted into a huge brain, which in fact it is, all things being particles of a real and rhythmic whole. We shall be able to communicate with one another instantly, irrespective of distance. Not only this, but through television and telephony we shall see and hear one another as perfectly as though we were face to face, despite intervening distances of thousands of miles; and the instruments through which we shall be able to do this will be amazingly simple compared with our present telephone. A man will be able to carry one in his vest pocket.”
Sure, vests might not be as trendy anymore, but predicting the internet (that “huge brain”) and pocket-sized communication devices almost 100 years ago? That’s downright prophetic.
Tesla’s Legacy in Modern Tech
Tesla’s ability to envision the future has cemented his reputation as a visionary. In geek culture, he’s a legend, celebrated by fans like Elon Musk—who named his revolutionary electric car company after Tesla—and The Oatmeal’s Matthew Inman.
Tesla’s enduring appeal is no surprise. In 2013, he became the Geek Madness Champion in a fan-voted showdown, easily beating other scientific icons like Alexander Graham Bell, Charles Darwin, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, and even Linus Torvalds.
Tesla’s Other Eerily Accurate Predictions
The Collier’s interview goes beyond smartphones. Tesla also predicted:
- Wirelessly controlled flying machines: He described fuel-free aircraft, a concept that aligns with today’s exploration of drone technology and renewable energy-powered aviation.
- Women in leadership roles: Tesla foresaw a shift in gender equality, saying: “This struggle of the human female toward sex equality will end in a new sex order, with the female as superior.”
Tesla’s predictions were not just about technology; they extended to social evolution.
A Timeless Visionary
Tesla’s futuristic insights continue to inspire awe. His ability to imagine a world interconnected by technology—a vision of instant communication and advanced innovation—remains a testament to his genius.
And honestly, who wouldn’t admire a guy who not only envisioned the smartphone but also championed a future of gender equality?
