Vladimir Odoevsky, a 19th-century Russian writer, philosopher, and social activist, predicted the emergence of the Internet in his unfinished novel “4338 and One Year,” written in 1837.
This discovery was made by Russian poet and composer Ivan Dezurnui while he was researching historical materials focused on futurology. In examining these documents, he found excerpts from Odoevsky’s novel that reflect on the image of Russia 2,500 years after Odoevsky’s time.
In the excerpts from the novel, there are lines discussing “houses” constructed from telegraphic lines that would connect people around the world. Even if you are far apart, through these “houses,” you can communicate directly with one another.
Thus, even in a time when modern technological means had not yet emerged, and the very concepts of such devices were unknown, a writer and philosopher envisioned them. He described these electronic machines possessing characteristics similar to today’s Internet.
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Vladimir Odoevsky (1803-1869) |
“We can read the news through these ‘houses’ without having to go out to buy it. In fact, individuals can create their own newspapers and share them with the help of these ‘houses.’ They can write about anything personal, their interests, health, life, love, and even invitations to friends for dinner or to go out to restaurants… Friends and everyone else will receive and exchange this information instantly, no matter where they are in Russia.”
These lines are also taken from Odoevsky’s novel “4338 and One Year.” They evoke the idea of personal blogs on the Internet, which are currently very popular in modern society.
Additionally, the novel contains predictions about the dangers of collisions between Earth and asteroids in space, as well as Russia’s rocket launch projects.
Mai Hoa (According to Lenta.ru)
