Only a few months ago this Blog reported that Boeing was flying an electrically powered aircraft. Now we get word that Boeing is flying an aircraft powered by fuel cell. In both cases, the basic question has been—Why?
I am reminded of Ben Franklin’s comment the first time he saw a hot air balloon. Someone asked, “But of what use is it?†Franklin answered, “Of what use is a newborn babe?†(Both “quotes†are to the best of my memory, which ain’t really at its “best†anymore.)
Funny, but we still wonder “why†every time something new arrives. I have read that IBM originally thought there were only a few potential computer customers worldwide. That was in my lifetime, now grammar school students use computers.
More recently, I bought a new laptop that has a camera built in. I opened it and there it was, showing a grotesque live picture of my own face moving about—a horrible sight. I remember asking Wife Gail—of what use is it?—or redneck words to that effect.
In the last few weeks—just two years later—we found that we can use that camera to visit our only grandson in Boston. He can see and hear us, too, and it’s all live and real time. Now that is just wonderful! We have introduced him to our two dogs and one cat and he sees and talks back to us. We can’t understand a word he says yet, but it’s wonderful. And, praise be, it’s absolutely free—nothing to buy, no fee to join, no monthly charge, and no cost for the phone call.
In 1979 I emceed NATA’s annual meeting. One of the best-attended workshops was titled—What A Computer Can Do For Your Business. Now we can’t live without them.
When future new ideas come along, we will probably always wonder â€of what use is it?†The answer is simple—we don’t know yet.
We’d love to post your comments. Please click the comment tab.