Famous Last Words in Technology

Below are ten statements made in the past about modern technology. Can you guess in which decade each statement was made?

Points available: 10

1:

"Computers may weigh no more than 1.5 tons."

  • A) 1940s
  • B) 1950s
  • C) 1960s
  • D) 1970s
2:

"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home."

  • A) 1950s
  • B) 1960s
  • C) 1970s
  • D) 1980s
3:

"Everything that can be invented has been invented."

  • A) 1850s
  • B) 1870s
  • C) 1890s
  • D) 1910s
4:

"There is not the slightest indication that nuclear energy will ever be obtainable."

  • A) 1920s
  • B) 1930s
  • C) 1940s
  • D) 1950s
5:

"With over 50 foreign cars already on sale here, the Japanese auto industry isn't likely to carve out a big slice of the US market."

  • A) 1950s
  • B) 1960s
  • C) 1970s
  • D) 1980s
6:

"This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication."

  • A) 1850s
  • B) 1860s
  • C) 1870s
  • D) 1880s
7:

"Radio has no future. Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible. X-rays will prove to be a hoax."

  • A) 1890s
  • B) 1900s
  • C) 1910s
  • D) 1920s
8:

"The wireless music box has no imaginable commercial value. Who would pay for a message sent to nobody in particular?"

  • A) 1890s
  • B) 1900s
  • C) 1910s
  • D) 1920s
9:

"Who wants to hear actors talk?"

  • A) 1900s
  • B) 1910s
  • C) 1920s
  • D) 1930s
10:

"The abdomen, the chest, and the brain will forever be shut from the intrusion of the wise and humane surgeon."

  • A) 1800s
  • B) 1830s
  • C) 1850s
  • D) 1870s