"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers."
Thomas Watson, Chairman,
International Business Machines, 1943.
In my fantasy life, starting with childhood, I envisioned people conducting daily activities communicating with one another at a distance. I was fascinated by World War II walkie-talkies, and the Dick Tracy wrist radio (although Dick Tracy was of no interest to me.). But when, a few years ago, Rosalie asked for a cell phone as a present, I got her one, but said that I could not imagine of what use it would be.
A few months later, we needed something from the Container Store, but only I could go. It would need discussion after seeing what was available. I suggested that I take the cell phone. The memory of standing looking at the merchandise and describing it to Rosalie over the cell phone is vivid -- an epiphany -- where was the childhood fantasy? Very soon after that the way in which I conduct my life changed.
Pattern: I walk to the car -- I reach into my pocket -- I take out my cell phone -- I get into the car -- I put the cell phone in front of the shifter. How many times have I done this?
Rosalie was in the hospital and I was leaving after a visit. It was a long walk to the car, so I talked to her on the cell phone as I went. I got to the car -- I reached into my pocket -- nothing -- I said to Rosalie: "I lost my cell phone." Neither of us remembers what she said.
Was it a Marx movie? The comedian is absentmindedly dialing the telephone -- a ridiculously long sequence of numbers. Suddenly a startled: "Peking China?!" -- comic.
Heart problem -- the people we have been visiting in Romania every year since 1992 -- we knew about the problem -- now a pacemaker is needed. They ask for money -- we make arrangements ("If living were a thing that money could buy, then the rich would live and the poor would die; all my trials, Lord, will soon be over...").
The time of surgery is close -- e-mail indicates nervousness -- uncertainty -- not used to international transactions. I reach into my pocket -- a ridiculously long sequence of numbers -- Marosvaserhely, Transylvania -- nothing comic about it. Warmth ... reassurance ... calmness ... encouragement ... apologies for poor English ... would that I could speak Hungarian that well!
The future? Verily I say unto you -- we have no idea!