Ask HN: If you had 24 hours in the year 2050, what questions would you ask?

#1

Post by pmohun » Wed, Apr 27, 2022, 9:58 AM UTC

Assume that you cannot bring anything with you except a notebook and a pen.

You’re able to travel instantaneously between locations and the people there are expecting you.

At the end of the 24 hour period, you are returned to the present day.

What questions do you ask to maximize the utility of information you capture?

Re: Ask HN: If you had 24 hours in the year 2050, what questions would you ask?

#2

Post by trifit » Wed, Apr 27, 2022, 10:00 AM UTC

What’s the price of Bitcoin? Who’s the current president? What companies on the Fortune 500 are still the same as 2022? Does climate change have an impact on our lives?

Re: Ask HN: If you had 24 hours in the year 2050, what questions would you ask?

#3

Post by quickthrower2 » Wed, Apr 27, 2022, 10:10 AM UTC

1. A prediction for 2023 I can use as evidence that I have traveled to the future. And provide trust to set me up for the next step:

2. An important message for people currently in power in 2020s. Devised by the 2050s wisest people to persuade to avoid the big mistake we made.

3. And, well hoverboards yet?

Re: Ask HN: If you had 24 hours in the year 2050, what questions would you ask?

#4

Post by [deleted] » Wed, Apr 27, 2022, 10:35 AM UTC

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: If you had 24 hours in the year 2050, what questions would you ask?

#5

Post by t-3 » Wed, Apr 27, 2022, 10:39 AM UTC

Honestly, I'd be most interested in whether or not I'm still alive. I'm sure there are plenty of ways to get rich or famous, but those aren't exactly interesting. It's highly doubtful any significant changes in society or human nature would come about in such a short time, and politics are more likely depressing than useful or inspiring.

Re: Ask HN: If you had 24 hours in the year 2050, what questions would you ask?

#6

Post by eimrine » Wed, Apr 27, 2022, 10:43 AM UTC

trifit wrote: post #2

What’s the price of Bitcoin? Who’s the current president? What companies on the Fortune 500 are still the same as 2022? Does climate change have an impact on our lives?

I can answer that now: 1. Several millions but you need to chose right fork 2. Some guy which is a random student now. 3. Not any but closest to that is TSLA. 4. Definitely yes.

Re: Ask HN: If you had 24 hours in the year 2050, what questions would you ask?

#7

Post by Ambolia » Wed, Apr 27, 2022, 10:50 AM UTC

If there is a collapse maybe they would be the ones asking questions. Which key infrastructure know-how and technical knowledge would you take from 2021 to help the people from 2050?

Re: Ask HN: If you had 24 hours in the year 2050, what questions would you ask?

#8

Post by f0e4c2f7 » Wed, Apr 27, 2022, 10:54 AM UTC

Probably a lot of physics and materials questions.

Y'all got any of those...superconductors yet?

Re: Ask HN: If you had 24 hours in the year 2050, what questions would you ask?

#9

Post by Jaruzel » Wed, Apr 27, 2022, 10:58 AM UTC

I'd ask "Which tech or disruptive startup from 2023 onwards is now a massive success, and when did they start offering shares?"

Once back in my own time, wait and invest accordingly, then reap the profit.

Re: Ask HN: If you had 24 hours in the year 2050, what questions would you ask?

#10

Post by altdataseller » Wed, Apr 27, 2022, 11:03 AM UTC

t-3 wrote: post #5

Honestly, I'd be most interested in whether or not I'm still alive. I'm sure there are plenty of ways to get rich or famous, but those aren't exactly interesting. It's highly doubtful any significant changes in society or human nature would come about in such a short time, and politics are more likely depressing than useful or inspiring.

How would that info be actionable?