And now...
The Awards for Strategic Vision and Foresight...
Author Jim Harris says it pays not to be too sure of yourself:
U.S. president Rutherford Hayes, after participating in a
trial telephone call between Washington and
Philadelphia in 1876.
"Everything that can be invented has been invented."
Charles Duell, commissioner of the U.S. Office of
Patents, urging president William McKinley to abolish
his office, 1899.
"There is no likelihood man can ever tap the power of the atom."
Robert Millikan, Nobel Prize winner in physics, 1920.
"Who the hell wants to hear actors talk?"
Harry Warner, Warner Brothers, 1927.
"I think there is a world market for about five computers."
Thomas J. Watson, IBM chair, 1943.
"Television won't hold on to any market it captures after the first six months. People will soon tire of staring at a box every night."
Darryl Zanuck, head of 2oth Century Fox, 1946
"640K is enough for anyone."
Bill Gates, Microsoft chair, 1981.
"There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home."
Ken Olsen, president, Digital Equipment, 1977.