Everything Everywhere Daily · Friday, October 2, 2026
Renowned physicist Lord Kelvin expressed strong skepticism about emerging technologies, famously dismissing X-rays as a 'hoax' and radio as having 'no future.' He believed sending messages by pony or boy was preferable to wireless telegraphy.
“I have not the smallest molecule of faith in aerial navigation other than ballooning or of the expectation of good results from any of the trials we hear of.”
“X-rays will prove to be a hoax.”
“radio has no future. And, wireless telegraphy is all very well, but I'd rather send a message by a pony or a boy.”