It’s hard to say how Americans at large feel about new technologies, especially communications. They are wonderful in the sense that a smaller world brings families and communities closer together, and in a way enriches our lives with awareness of the world around us. In the same sense, when we can more clearly see the world for its massiveness, complexity, and diversity, we feel lost and, at times, very small. I had this sentiment in mind when I thought about my topic for our final project in Emerging Media. In a search for some comfort, I looked for perspective in a world where progress and change seems inescapable no matter how we feel about it. I haven’t done the research yet, but I did some preliminary searching and found a couple of cool quotes from yesteryear. If I remember, I’ll post more as I comb through old NYT articles.
“Despite perhaps a lack of knowledge of all that it means to sea-going man or woman wireless brings a sense of security, for those who go down to the sea in ships are no longer cut off from the rest of the world.” | S.O.S. - THE AMBULANCE CALL OF THE SEAS, New York Times, February 13, 1910
“A fantastic picture of a world run by wireless in the year 2025 A.D. is painted by Professor A. M. Low, noted educator, who predicts that light will be broadcast by wireless, all means of locomotion will be controlled by wireless, and women will at last dress logically in a one-piece hygienic suit, warmed by wireless.” | WIRELESS TO RULE OUR LIVES BRITISH PROFESSOR PREDICTS, New York Times, August 30, 1925
“The year 1927 has seen advances made in all the sectors of the scientific warfare against the unknown – in subduing the forces which are as the “powers of darkness” encircling man with their mystery till they are penetrated and brought in to friendly relation with him. … What now appears to be science’s main contribution of the year is that which has resulted in the further overcoming of the obstacles of distance, through greater mastery of the air, more extended telephony and television.” Through these science is doing its increasing part to promote “planetary consciousness” and to improve social and international relations.” | ADVANCES ON THE FRONTIERS, New York Times, January 1, 1928
“Despite perhaps a lack of knowledge of all that it means to sea-going man or woman wireless brings a sense of security, for those who go down to the sea in ships are no longer cut off from the rest of the world.” | S.O.S. - THE AMBULANCE CALL OF THE SEAS, New York Times, February 13, 1910
“A fantastic picture of a world run by wireless in the year 2025 A.D. is painted by Professor A. M. Low, noted educator, who predicts that light will be broadcast by wireless, all means of locomotion will be controlled by wireless, and women will at last dress logically in a one-piece hygienic suit, warmed by wireless.” | WIRELESS TO RULE OUR LIVES BRITISH PROFESSOR PREDICTS, New York Times, August 30, 1925
“The year 1927 has seen advances made in all the sectors of the scientific warfare against the unknown – in subduing the forces which are as the “powers of darkness” encircling man with their mystery till they are penetrated and brought in to friendly relation with him. … What now appears to be science’s main contribution of the year is that which has resulted in the further overcoming of the obstacles of distance, through greater mastery of the air, more extended telephony and television.” Through these science is doing its increasing part to promote “planetary consciousness” and to improve social and international relations.” | ADVANCES ON THE FRONTIERS, New York Times, January 1, 1928
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