Prophet of Progress: How Archibald Low’s 1925 Predictions Mirror Today’s Innovations

 

One hundred years ago, Professor Archibald Montgomery Low, a trailblazing scientist and inventor, envisioned a future that, while deemed "ruthlessly imaginative" at the time, now reads like a blueprint for modern life. From radio alarm clocks to television and global communication systems, Low’s predictions have astoundingly aligned with technological realities of 2025.

Born in 1888, Low was a prolific inventor and physicist. Credited with creating the first powered drone and advancing television and radio guidance systems, his innovative ideas earned him the moniker “father of radio guidance systems.” His groundbreaking work even made him a target for German assassination attempts during wartime.

In 1925, Low published The Future, a book detailing his predictions for a day in the life of a "man of the future." These ideas, preserved in newspaper archives and recently resurfaced by genealogy service Findmypast, paint a picture of extraordinary foresight.

Low accurately foresaw several technological advancements that shape daily life today:

• Radio Alarm Clocks: He envisioned a device waking people up with precise signals—a far cry from the "knocker uppers" of his time, who tapped on windows to wake residents.
• Television and Loudspeakers: Low predicted that newspapers would be replaced by "television machines" and loudspeakers, enabling on-demand news and entertainment.
• Global Communication: He described instant access to worldwide broadcasts, a reality now commonplace with the internet.
• Moving Pavements and Escalators: His concept of moving stairways mirrors modern escalators and travelators found in cities and airports.
• Energy Innovations: Low foresaw the harnessing of wind and tidal power, technologies integral to today’s renewable energy revolution.

Not all of Low’s forecasts have materialized. His vision of street illumination by herbs, jet-powered water cavalry, and universal one-piece felt suits remains far-fetched. However, his anticipation of mind-to-mind communication and automated wellness treatments reflects ongoing technological exploration.

Low also predicted societal changes, such as women wearing trousers as a norm and prenatal sex determination, both of which are now widely accepted. His less progressive views, including controversial remarks about gender intelligence, were met with criticism even in his era, highlighting the complexities of his legacy.

Jen Baldwin, a research specialist at Findmypast, remarked on Low’s enduring influence:
“It’s incredible to see how someone could predict so much of the technology we take for granted today. His work makes us wonder how our own advancements will shape the lives of future generations.”

Low continued to make bold predictions until his death in 1956 at age 68. While not all his ideas gained acceptance, his ability to foresee the transformative potential of technology cements his place as a prophet of progress.