Predictions of the late 90's on what the currency of the 21st century would look like.

Good evening to all the members of this community. A few weeks ago I uploaded a post In which I talked about my old collection of Discover magazines in Spanish and popular mechanics.

On this occasion I decided to summarize an article from one of my old Discover magazines in Spanish, specifically, from the November 1998 issue titled Predictions the currency of the next millennium. In this article a varied group of academics from different fields were asked about their opinions and perspectives on what money would be like in the 21st century.

To begin with, according to applied mathematics professor Philip Davis. The diversification through computers of new commercial and technological products. Added to the advance in computer operations of economic data that is increasingly abstract and virtual. It will allow that in the future what he calls the Metamoney. will continue to move towards conversion, unification and diversification. This will bring more advantages than disadvantages for human behavior and daily business in the future. Finally, he bids farewell But not before he wonders aloud whether in the future department stores will come to an end when people start buying all their products through computers.

For Paul Kocher, president of Chryptography Research. He predicts that cryptography, specifically encryption, will make it possible for money to be private and anonymous in the future. He also assures that credit cards, checks and ultimately cash will be replaced by "smart cards" that will include cryptographically protected digital money everywhere, from traditional retail outlets to online merchants. Finally, he warned of the dangers of cyber theft in the future. Executed by thieves who will be able to act from anywhere in the world.

Similarly agrees anthropology professor Jack Weatherfond. He also thinks that cash will in the future be a curiosity of the past. He also assures that everyone will issue their own currency, including banks, corporations, computer manufacturers, as well as people who surf the web and even individuals (he even thinks that there could be bills with the effigy of Bill Gates). He adds that there will be thousands of forms of money. Some will be backed by gold, some by land, some by corporate shares, and many others will be based on faith and performance.

Finally, for Chris Gregory, Professor of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Australia. Despite all the changes coming in the future he says gold will remain an important asset for the world's monetary reserve. "Gold will remain the most reliable bridge between today and the uncertain future of tomorrow." He also believes that it will continue to be a sovereign form of money as long as the possibility of wars between nations persists in the future concludes.

without a doubt this is an article that has no waste at all, more than twenty years later several of his predictions and comments seem to be a reality today.

what do you think of the article and the predictions? let me know your opinion below.

photographs taken with my cell phone.