Think Quantum Computing Won’t Affect You? Think Again.

Imagine someone telling your grandparents, decades ago, that one day they’d carry a small device in their pocket that could let them see and hear someone on the other side of the world in real time, like their long-lost cousin or favorite grandchild who had moved to another country—something that would have seemed like pure science fiction at the time. They’d probably laugh it off as a fantasy. Yet today, we take smartphones for granted, barely pausing to consider how quickly this technology reshaped our lives.

The same disbelief is present in some conversations with intelligent professionals when discussing quantum computing. Many see it as a distant, futuristic concept—something that won’t impact their careers or industries in their lifetime. But history shows that transformative technologies often arrive faster than expected, and those who dismiss them risk being left behind.

Technological Progress Accelerates with Every Step

Technological progress doesn’t move at a steady pace—it accelerates. Each breakthrough builds on the one before it, creating a domino effect where future advancements happen faster and with greater impact. Consider how each innovation in history has not only transformed society but also paved the way for even faster and more profound breakthroughs.

Let’s take a step back and explore some remarkable examples of how innovation has reshaped industries and society at an ever-accelerating pace.

Printing Press to Digital Communication

In the 15th century, the printing press revolutionized information sharing. But the leap from print media to digital communication happened exponentially faster.

Today, anyone can publish their thoughts online and reach a global audience within seconds. The time between breakthroughs continues to shrink, and each step forward builds on the innovations that came before.

Telegrams to Smartphones

Communication offers another striking example. In the 19th century, telegrams were the pinnacle of fast communication. By the early 20th century, landline telephones made it possible to talk in real time. Fast forward a few decades, and cell phones untethered us from fixed locations.

Now, smartphones have become powerful pocket-sized computers, enabling global video calls and instant access to information. Could your grandparents have conceived of FaceTime or WhatsApp in their youth?

Horse and Buggy to Automobiles to Self-Driving Cars

In the 1800s, horse-drawn carriages dominated transportation. The idea of machines replacing horses seemed outlandish. Yet by the early 20th century, automobiles were not only a reality but a necessity.

Fast forward to today: We’ve moved from early automobiles to electric and self-driving vehicles in record time. Imagine showing someone from that era a Tesla Cybertruck—an electric vehicle capable of self-driving functions. In a recent viral video, an 82-year-old man is seen riding in one of these futuristic trucks. Do you think he could have envisioned this in his 20s?

The Wright Brothers to Space Exploration

In 1903, the Wright brothers achieved the first powered flight. Within 66 years, humans landed on the moon. This rapid progression shows how an initial breakthrough can snowball into achievements that seem impossible at the outset.

The key takeaway? Each step forward happens faster than the one before. Early aircraft laid the foundation for modern aerospace industries, which now push toward commercial space travel.

Industrial Revolution to Automation

In the late 18th century, mechanized weaving was revolutionary. By the 20th century, automation and assembly lines transformed manufacturing, and today, we have AI-driven production lines and 3D printing.

Each stage of this progression happened faster than the last. What took decades to achieve in the 1800s can now be accomplished in a few years.

Agriculture: From Hand Tools to Precision Farming

Agriculture has transformed from manual labor with hand tools to precision farming using drones, sensors, and AI. Farmers today use real-time data to optimize yields and reduce waste.

Imagine telling a farmer from the early 20th century that one day machines would analyze soil conditions and predict crop yields with incredible accuracy. The timeline between each advancement in farming has shortened dramatically, with each innovation accelerating the next.

Streaming Services

In the 1980s, renting VHS tapes was cutting-edge entertainment. DVDs soon followed, then Blu-ray, and now streaming services like Netflix dominate. This transformation happened within a few decades, demonstrating how quickly industries evolve.

AI Development

In the early 2000s, AI was mostly theoretical or limited to niche use cases like chess-playing computers. Today, AI tools like ChatGPT are transforming industries, from customer service to creative writing, within a matter of years.

Personalized Medicine: Tailored Healthcare Solutions

From one-size-fits-all treatments to personalized medicine that targets individuals based on their unique genetic makeup, medical advancements are becoming increasingly precise and effective.

For example, CAR-T cell therapy modifies a patient’s own immune cells to attack their specific cancer, and pharmacogenomic testing helps doctors prescribe the right medication and dosage based on a patient’s unique genetic profile.

These advancements are paving the way for more targeted, effective healthcare solutions—solutions that are accelerating faster than ever before.

Why Quantum Computing Matters

Quantum computing may feel like a science fiction buzzword, but it’s advancing faster than many realize. It’s not just about building a better computer—it’s about solving problems that are currently impossible for classical computers.

From drug discovery and climate modeling to cryptography and supply chain optimization, quantum computing is poised to revolutionize industries. And, because it builds on today’s advanced technologies, the pace of change will likely be much faster than most people expect.

Accelerating Development: A Call to Action

Here’s the kicker: industries don’t wait for technology to become mainstream before starting to adapt. Businesses that prepare now gain a competitive edge, while those who dismiss it risk falling behind. Think of Kodak, which underestimated the rise of digital photography, or Blockbuster, which ignored the potential of streaming.

Technological progress accelerates because advancements build on one another. Just as the industrial revolution laid the groundwork for modern manufacturing, today’s advancements in artificial intelligence and computing pave the way for quantum innovation.

Professionals who stay ahead of the curve—learning about quantum computing and its implications—position themselves as thought leaders and innovators. Those who don’t may find themselves struggling to catch up.

The Future Arrives Faster Than You Think

So, the next time you think, “Quantum computing won’t matter in my lifetime,” remember that 82-year-old in the Tesla Cybertruck or your grandparents' look of utter amazement as they witnessed their first video call with someone they love across the globe—facilitated, of course, by someone much younger!