Retro Future: 10 Predictions from the 1920s About Life Today

As we look back on the roaring twenties, it's fascinating to see how people of that era imagined the world a hundred years later. With the rapid pace of technological advancements and social change, they had plenty of ideas about what life would be like in the 2020s. In this listicle, we'll explore 10 predictions from the 1920s that offer a unique insight into the hopes and dreams of the past, as well as the accuracy of their visions for the future.

While looking back on the predictions made by these forward-thinkers of the past, it's fascinating to see how some ideas have indeed come to fruition, while others remain a distant fantasy. In this listicle, we'll explore ten of the most captivating predictions from the 1920s and compare them to the reality of our world today. Step into the intriguing world of yesteryear's visionaries and discover how close (or far) their dreams were from becoming a reality.

01
Flying Cars

via SDASM Archives

The idea of personal air transportation was quite popular in the 1920s. People envisioned streets filled with flying cars, making long-distance travel quick and convenient. While we don't have flying cars as an everyday mode of transportation today, we do have drones and ongoing research into flying vehicles for personal use.
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02
Weather Control

via Plumandon

Some visionaries in the 1920s believed that humans would develop the ability to control the weather by the 2020s. This idea has not come to fruition, but advancements in weather forecasting and climate research have significantly improved our understanding of atmospheric phenomena.
03
Video Telephony

via Villemard

One prediction that has come true is the concept of video telephony. People in the 1920s imagined that we would be able to see each other while talking on the phone, and today we have video calling through platforms like Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime, making long-distance communication more personal and engaging.
04
Robot Servants

via Bundesarchiv

The idea of having robot servants to help with household chores was another popular prediction from the 1920s. While we don't have humanoid robots catering to our every need, we do have various smart home devices and appliances, like Roomba vacuum cleaners and voice-activated assistants like Alexa and Google Home.
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05
Underwater Cities

via Narendra Soni

Futurists in the 1920s imagined that humans would build underwater cities to expand living spaces and explore the depths of the ocean. Although we don't have full-fledged underwater cities today, there are underwater hotels and research stations that offer a glimpse into the possibilities of aquatic living.
06
High-Speed Trains

via Associated Press

People in the 1920s predicted that trains would become faster and more efficient, connecting cities in mere hours. Today, we have high-speed rail systems like the Japanese Shinkansen and European TGV, which make long-distance travel faster and more convenient than ever before.
07
Meal Pills

via BBC

The idea of meal pills was popular in the 1920s, as people imagined a future where nutrition could be quickly and easily consumed in a single pill. Although we haven't replaced our meals with pills, modern nutritional supplements and meal replacement shakes do offer convenient options for busy lifestyles.
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08
Space Tourism

via Space Race, India times

Visionaries in the 1920s believed that humans would venture into outer space for leisure and exploration by the 2020s. While space tourism is not yet a common experience, companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are now making it a reality for those who can afford it.
09
Virtual Reality

via YOURSTORY

People in the 1920s also imagined immersive experiences that would transport users to different worlds, much like the concept of virtual reality today. With the development of VR headsets and software, we can now explore and interact with digital environments in ways that were once just a dream.
10
Fashion Evolution

via the VOU

In the 1920s, predictions about fashion trends were quite imaginative, with ideas such as clothing that could change color, shape, or texture at the wearer's whim. While we haven't quite achieved that level of innovation, we do have advancements like smart fabrics, wearable technology, and sustainable fashion practices that are changing the way we think about clothing.