The Future of The Past
Brad found these photos on Plan 59. They are advertisement drawings from the late 40s into the 50s. What gets me about these images is that they were born out of optimism for the future and the promise that things will always get better. Sure maybe the the Cold War had a little bit to do with this but at least there was vision for a better tomorrow. I look at these and wonder what happened to that vision of the future?
This one is my favorite. These are spaceships that use giant "sails" to capture the ceaseless bombardement of solar radiation to power the ships so they can travel the solar system. Do people even think up ideas like this anymore?
This one is my favorite. These are spaceships that use giant "sails" to capture the ceaseless bombardement of solar radiation to power the ships so they can travel the solar system. Do people even think up ideas like this anymore?
posted by Adam at 9:02 AM
10 Comments:
I love those old pictures. Dreams these days are squelched by financial considerations. And now people are fearful of tomorrow as opposed to hopeful. Sigh.
People no longer dream that way because the reality is we are nurtured not to. The kids nowadays are so "directed" in their growning up, they can'tcome up with an original idea OR think way outside the box.
I love artwork like this.
As for our future...weren't we all supposed to be living like the Jetsons by now?
I would suggest that around here people do have a fantastic vision (not one that I share), in which they see the kingdom of god instead of spaceliners and the rapture instead of moon colonies.
But, to be upbeat, NASA is building stuff for lunar bases, trips to Mars and Virgin Galactic is here (almost).
the plasma sail idea in the last one actually is part of reality, I read somewhere recently that this concept is still being developed.
"Better living through Chemistry" was a slogan used often in those days.
Thing is... Chemistry can prolong our lives on the one hand, and destroy civilizations in the press of a button from the other hand.
What we all need is something to tame the side of Human Nature that likes to live in the "Get what can, Can what you get, and Poison the Rest" mentality.
Sure, they look cool from the outside. Keep in mind, though, everything inside would have been shag carpet and formica based on the tastes of that era. Plus, we would all have to wear matching silver jumpsuits.
Those are so fun! Have you seen Home Movie? First of all, its really good. Secondly, the bonus features on the DVD include the Disney House of Tomorrow footage. If you haven't seen it, check it out!
Those are wonderful pictures. I know there are still visionaries out there. They are just few and far in between.
In addition, I'm going to need you to come back to FAH-HO-NIX.
i believe jjd's referring to mylar sails.
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