If you're looking to while away two minutes this afternoon in a way that feels both productive and deeply fascinating, then you've come to the right place.
This clip of the British broadcaster, historian and all-around legend James Burke, who is well known for his work on Tomorrow's World, talking about the future in 1985, has gone viral - and we can see why.
Taking to Twitter, user Gary Brannan shared the clip that was taken from the first episode of Burke's popular TV programme Connections, taken from the episode 'The Day the Universe Changed', alongside the tweet:
James Burke also did this - possibly the most prescient bit of TV ever produced.
It explains, in < 4 minutes, exactly why technology has brought us to the current, turbulent situation in which we live today. Watch it.
James Burke also did this - possibly the most prescient bit of TV ever produced. It explains, in < 4 minutes, exact… https://t.co/HrKqPtO5E8— Gary Brannan (@Gary Brannan) 1546903154
In the clip, he talks about how the internet will change the world forever, including its impact on politics, education, news, and public discourse - and in the process, he absolutely hits the nail on the head.
In part of it, he says:
You might, with that and much more, break the mould that's held us back since the beginning.
In a future world that we would describe as balanced anarchy.
And they will describe as an open society, tolerant of every view, and where there is no single, privilaged way of doing things, and above all, do away with the biggest tragedy of our era, the centuries old waste of human talent that we couldn't, or wouldn't use.
Utopia? Why. If, as I've said all along, the Universe is what you say it is, then say.
Deep stuff. Hang in there and dust off your BA philosophy degrees.
The clip went down a treat on social media.
It's 1985. James Burke is walking around in some hills. And then he delivers a scintillating piece to camera about… https://t.co/t6dcI88XRJ— Carl Miller (@Carl Miller) 1556450276
And, decades later, Burke’s vision is just beginning to come true. https://t.co/wQfq0tqtCx— Carl Miller (@Carl Miller) 1556460046
Think Adam Curtis on steroids.
Others lamented a time gone past.
@Raphaelite_Girl @carljackmiller @Nevfountain Remember the days when a TV broadcaster could offer a complex proposi… https://t.co/DL3OqeQuCD— Graham Phillips 🇪🇺🏴 (@Graham Phillips 🇪🇺🏴) 1556487757
And gave Brian Cox an unfavourable comparison.
@carljackmiller @richardcalhoun His shows were brilliant and always challenging. There is no modern equivalent. Bri… https://t.co/bsCY9kJob0— 💜Just a whim away.💜 (@💜Just a whim away.💜) 1556464316
Others just enjoyed the experience of having their little minds completely blown.
@carljackmiller @queenofthinair Mind blown. https://t.co/TtYXqe0nV0— Tyrell Mayfield (@Tyrell Mayfield) 1556459126
And said that when they watched it at the time, they had no idea of its prescience.
@carljackmiller Watching this at the time I had no idea what he was rambling on about when it’s all so frighteningl… https://t.co/MH0B6R7qht— Robert Lindsay (@Robert Lindsay) 1556609644
HT The Poke
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