I’ve long thought that the sentiment below was quite inspired, perhaps by luck, perhaps by insight. Whichever it is, it holds a certain wisdom which is rare in a scientist, especially one living so long ago.
War can not be avoided until the physical cause for its recurrence is removed and this, in the last analysis, is the vast extent of the planet on which we live. Only through annihilation of distance in every respect, as the conveyance of intelligence, transport of passengers and supplies and transmission of energy will conditions be brought about some day, insuring permanency of friendly relations. What we now want most is closer contact and better understanding between individuals and communities all over the earth and the elimination of that fanatic devotion to exalted ideals of national egoism and pride, which is always prone to plunge the world into primeval barbarism and strife. No league or parliamentary act of any kind will ever prevent such a calamity.
Read it carefully. His thought, “Only through annihilation of distance in every respect, as the conveyance of intelligence,” is especially pogniant considering the rise of the internet. The internet is that medium through which distance is eliminated and which can convey intelligence more aptly, more succinctly and more quickly than ever before.
His final thought, “No league or parliamentary act of any kind will ever prevent such a calamity,” is classic considering the popular rise of the internet as something born out of universities and by business – not by legislation.
Whether he understood the mechanism that would fulfill his vision, Tesla knew that something like the internet would be required.
The internet was designed open and free. The way to a better world is to keep it open and free.