Where Is My Flying Car?

In Where Is My Flying Car?, J. Storrs Hall takes readers on a captivating journey through the promises and pitfalls of technological advancement, driven by the burning question—why are we not living in the futuristic utopia that seemed so certain in the mid-20th century? The narrative embarks on a compelling exploration, investigating not just the technical challenges of creating flying cars but also delving into the broader societal and scientific factors that have stalled progress.

Hall expertly intertwines historical analysis with an insightful critique of contemporary technological and economic landscapes. He revisits the vibrant science fiction visions of the 1960s—a time brimming with expectations of space colonisation, artificial intelligence, and ubiquitous personal air transportation. Set against this backdrop, the book probes into why these dreams faltered and how global ambitions were hindered by a mix of political, cultural, and technological impediments.

The author navigates through the decline in innovation post-1970s, shedding light on pivotal moments such as the underutilisation of nuclear energy potential and the controversial suppression of cold fusion technology. Hall argues that these setbacks, compounded by a societal shift towards scepticism of technological progress, have had profound impacts on global wealth distribution and economic dynamism.

With a blend of original research and Hall's own engineering insights, Where Is My Flying Car? is more than a lamentation of what could have been. It serves as a visionary blueprint for what still might be possible. Hall proposes a future powered by exponential technological growth, encouraging a shift towards building tangible innovations in the physical world with the same vigour as digital advancements. He envisions a society rich in resources and opportunities, where human creativity and determination propel us toward an era of unprecedented abundance and technological wonder.

Originally published in 2018, this work remains an urgent call to revisit our approach to technological development and to rekindle the imaginative spirit that once drove scientific and industrial revolutions. It challenges readers to reconsider their perceptions of progress, urging a new generation to reclaim the future that seemed so vivid in our past.