Quotes of the Week: Predictions

"I see no reason that these machines [steam locomotives] will ever force themselves into general use."
- Duke of Wellington, 1827

"The Americans have need of the telephone, but we do not. We have plenty of messenger boys."
- Sir William Preece, Chief Engineer of the British Post Office, 1876

"Radio has no future."
- Lord Kelvin

"I state flatly that heavier than air flying machines are impossible."
- Lord Kelvin again

"Airplanes are interesting toys, but of no military value."
- Marshal Ferdinand Foch

"Make no mistake, this weapon [the machine gun] will change absolutely nothing."
- General Douglas Haig, 1914

"Space travel is utter bilge."
- Sir Richard Van Der Riet Woolley, British Astronomer Royal, 1956