PS

Paul Saffo

37quotes

Paul Saffo: A Visionary Futurist and Thought Leader


Full Name and Common Aliases


Paul H. Saffo is a renowned American futurist, technology forecaster, and venture capital investor.

Birth and Death Dates


Born in 1954, his exact birthdate is not publicly available. There is no record of his passing.

Nationality and Profession(s)


An American national, Paul Saffo is a futurist, technologist, investor, and professor at Stanford University's School of Engineering.

Early Life and Background


Growing up in the 1960s, Saffo developed an interest in science fiction and futurism. He was particularly drawn to authors like Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke, whose works inspired him to consider the potential impact of emerging technologies on society. This early fascination with the future set the stage for his future career.

Major Accomplishments


Saffo's accomplishments can be seen in three primary areas: futurism, investing, and academia. As a futurist, he has been credited with predicting various technological advancements, including the rise of the internet and the importance of data-driven decision-making. In the realm of investing, Saffo co-founded Discern Analytics, an investment firm focused on emerging technologies. His work in academia includes teaching at Stanford University's School of Engineering and serving as a fellow at the Center for Research on Innovation and Technology.

Notable Works or Actions


Saffo has written numerous articles and given talks about future technological trends. Some notable works include his books "The Philadelphia Experiment" (2015) and "The Phoenix Project" (2020). He is also known for coining the term "Trough of Sorrow," which describes a phase in the technology adoption lifecycle where an innovation's popularity declines before eventually increasing again.

Impact and Legacy


Paul Saffo's impact on the fields of futurism, investing, and academia is undeniable. His accurate predictions about emerging technologies have made him a respected voice in his industry. He has worked with prominent companies like Google, Microsoft, and Cisco Systems to help them understand and prepare for future technological advancements.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Saffo's expertise as a futurist and technologist has led to numerous interviews, quotes, and appearances in media outlets such as The New York Times, Forbes, and Bloomberg. His ability to distill complex technological concepts into accessible language makes him a sought-after commentator on future trends.

In conclusion, Paul Saffo is a true visionary who has dedicated his career to understanding and predicting the impact of emerging technologies on society. Through his work in futurism, investing, and academia, he continues to inspire new generations of thinkers and leaders.

Quotes by Paul Saffo

Each time you toss out a ‘singing’ greeting card, you are disposing of more computing power than existed in the entire world before 1950.
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Each time you toss out a ‘singing’ greeting card, you are disposing of more computing power than existed in the entire world before 1950.
PS
Microsoft is a big intellectual roach motel. All the big minds go in, and they don’t come out.
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Microsoft is a big intellectual roach motel. All the big minds go in, and they don’t come out.
PS
The goal of forecasting is not to predict the future but to tell you what you need to know to take meaningful action in the present.
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The goal of forecasting is not to predict the future but to tell you what you need to know to take meaningful action in the present.
PS
The lesson about all these things, it's the lesson from time capsules, is you have to be careful lest you set yourself up for enormous embarrassment in two decades. Do you really want to be reminded that you thought ABBA was cool?
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The lesson about all these things, it's the lesson from time capsules, is you have to be careful lest you set yourself up for enormous embarrassment in two decades. Do you really want to be reminded that you thought ABBA was cool?
PS
The idea of fiddling with Microsoft applications will evaporate,
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The idea of fiddling with Microsoft applications will evaporate,
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#microsoft
Before the iPhone, cyberspace was something you went to your desk to visit. Now cyberspace is something you carry in your pocket.
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Before the iPhone, cyberspace was something you went to your desk to visit. Now cyberspace is something you carry in your pocket.
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#pockets
Never mistake a clear view for a short distance.
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Never mistake a clear view for a short distance.
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#views
The goal of forecasting is not to predict the future but to tell you what you need to know to take meaningful action in the present
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The goal of forecasting is not to predict the future but to tell you what you need to know to take meaningful action in the present
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#needs
"Point of view" is that quintessentially human solution to information overload, an intuitive process of reducing things to an essential relevant and manageable minimum.. In a world of hyper abundant content, point of view will become the scarcest of resources.
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"Point of view" is that quintessentially human solution to information overload, an intuitive process of reducing things to an essential relevant and manageable minimum.. In a world of hyper abundant content, point of view will become the scarcest of resources.
PS
#views
Each time you toss out a 'singing' greeting card, you are disposing of more computing power than existed in the entire world before 1950.
"
Each time you toss out a 'singing' greeting card, you are disposing of more computing power than existed in the entire world before 1950.
PS
#cards
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