The effect of technology on the workplace and society today has been one of the most significant and unpredictable phenomenons in the history of mankind.  Check out these quotes from so-called "experts" taken from the book "The Experts Speak: The Definitive Compendium of Authoritative Misinformation," by Cerf, C. and Navasky, V. (1984. New York: Panteon Books) and their validity in the face of the modern, very much changed, technological workplace:
 

"Computers in the future may weigh no more than one and a half tons."
 -Popular Mechanics, Forecasting the Relentless March of Science, 1949

"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers."
 -Thomas Watson, Chairman of IBM, 1943

"I have traveled the length and breadth of this country and talked with the best people, and I can assure you that data processing is a fad that won't last out the year."
 -The Editor in Charge of Business Books for Prentice Hall, 1957

"But what...is it good for?"
 -Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems of Division of IBM, commenting on the microchip, 1968

"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home."
 -Ken Olson, President, Chairman, and Founder of Digital Equipment Corporation, 1977

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The unpredictability of the effects of modern technology on society and the workplace is not a new trend; similar misconceptions arose with the inventions of the telegraph/telephone, television and radio- mediums of communication that play a significant role in society and the workplace.  Take a look at these quotes:

"I watched his face (Samuel F.B. Morse) closely to see if he was not deranged, and was assured by other Senators as we left the room that they had no confidence in it either."
 -Senator Oliver Smith of indiana, 1842, after witnessing a first demonstration of the telegraph

"Well-informed people know it is impossible to transmit their voices over wires, and even if it were possible, the thing would have no practical value."
 -Editorial in the Boston Post, 1865

"Radio has no future."
 -Lord Kelvin, Physicist and President of the Royal Society, 1897

"The radio craze will die out in time."
 -Thomas Edison, 1922

"There's a lunatic in the lobby who says he's invented a device for transmitting pictures over the air.  Be careful, he may have a razor on him."
 -Editor of the London Daily Express, commenting to a staffer on someone who had asked to see a
reporter and was waiting downstairs
 
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