Let us hope that the advent of a successful flying machine, now only dimly foreseen and nevertheless thought to be possible, will bring nothing but good into the world; that it shall abridge distance, make all parts of the globe accessible, bring men into closer relation with each other, advance civilization, and hasten the promised era in which there shall be nothing but peace and goodwill among all men.
Interpretation
The quote expresses hope that flying machines will unite humanity and promote peace.
Octave Chanute's quote reflects a vision of technology as a force for good, emphasizing the potential of flying machines to connect people across vast distances. He envisions a future where technological advancements will not only enhance accessibility but also foster relationships and understanding among individuals, ultimately leading to an era characterized by peace and goodwill worldwide.
In practice
In a speech about the future of aviation, I would cite this quote to emphasize the positive impact of technological progress.
No matter how invasive the technologies at their disposal, marketers and pollsters never come to terms with the living process through which people choose products or candidates; they are looking at what people just bought or thought, and making calculations based on that after-the-fact data.
It is the triumph of civilization that at last communities have obtained such a mastery over natural laws that they drive and control them. The winds, the water, electricity, all aliens that in their wild form were dangerous, are now controlled by human will, and are made useful servants.
Type 'What is th' and faster than you can find the 'e' Google is sending choices back at you: 'What is the cloud?' 'What is the mean?' 'What is the American dream?' 'What is the illuminati?' Google is trying to read your mind. Only it's not your mind. It's the World Brain.
The reverse side of the coin in having this extraordinary ability to go anywhere, is that no one anywhere is remote any more.
People thought I was crazy thinking about a phone you can just put in your pocket.
Technology always has unforeseen consequences, and it is not always clear, at the beginning, who or what will win, and who or what will lose.
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