I saw yesterday a documentary on TV about Jules Verne.
He was the one who clearly saw the possibilities that were hidden in technics and science. His novels are now the blueprint for the development of science. I myself have several books from him published back around WWI (they once belonged to my dad). An online library in several languages you van find at
Jules Verne Virtual Library
His visions are to science what Asimov is to robotics.
From a total different caliber is Athur C. Clark's: 2001, a space odyssey. (flash). Herein science results into a status of religion. And this is exactly what will happen this century. Science will become a religion for the western civilisation. The religion of science will help the American Empire to dominate the world for the next 500 years for it's own greed. After those 500 years (I guess) we will be at war with Mars. If there are any humans left. (1500 years is the average lifetime of an empire, divided by 500 years grow; 500 years blossom and 500 years of decline)
The benefits from science seems to me only streaming towards capitalism. And capitalism is the war against poverty (and unhappiness).
What are internet and disco for a poor farmer in Ethiopia?
Yes, he drinks his Coke and gets his Mac, but washes his clothes in the sewer that once was his river.
For us its a soma.
More gloomy future scenario's can be found here.
To be honest: the technical innovations today prevent me from seeing what is coming tomorrow (even though my granddad was an inventor).
They blur the mind and individuate ones application.
And are limited by their functions and shape.
But you might always ask, ofcourse.
So, where is my &*^$#@ cellphone?
