In the heart of Manhattan, inside a dimly lit hotel room, an ageing Nikola Tesla sat with a knowing glint in his eye. Reporters flocked to hear his visions of the future, and what he told them was nothing short of extraordinary. He described a world where machines would outwork humans, where knowledge would triumph over war, and where energy—free and limitless—would flow through the air. A century later, some of his boldest predictions have come true, while others remain buried under layers of mystery, sabotage, and corporate greed. What did Tesla truly foresee? And why did some of his ideas vanish into obscurity?
The War on War: Tesla’s Dream of a Peaceful World
Tesla believed that by the 21st century, knowledge and scientific progress would replace warfare. He declared that no longer would nations pour their wealth into building armies; instead, the brightest minds would be celebrated for discovering new truths. Science, he said, would be humanity’s greatest battlefield, and the victors would be those who expanded human understanding.
But has the world fulfilled Tesla’s vision? Not quite. The 21st century has seen its share of technological marvels, but nations still invest billions in military power. If Tesla had his way, war rooms would be replaced with laboratories, and conflicts would be fought with intelligence, not weapons. But the powers that be never wanted that—because war, unlike knowledge, is an industry that fills pockets.
The Robot Revolution: Slaves Without Chains
Long before artificial intelligence became a buzzword, Tesla warned that humans must learn to master machines, not fear them. He envisioned a world where robots would take over manual labour, freeing humanity for intellectual and creative pursuits. In his time, he had already built a working remote-controlled boat—a glimpse into the future of automation.
Fast-forward to today, and Tesla’s prediction has materialised in ways even he might not have imagined. Robots work in factories, drive cars, perform surgeries, and even create art. But here’s the twist—while Tesla dreamed of a future where technology liberated humans, today’s automation threatens millions of jobs. Instead of freeing mankind, robots are replacing them. Perhaps Tesla underestimated the greed of corporations, who would rather replace workers than uplift them.
The Death of Disease: Tesla’s Radical Health Predictions
Tesla had some bizarre beliefs about health—he barely ate, lived on milk and honey, and thought certain foods would become obsolete. He predicted that in the 21st century, people would abandon coffee, tea, and tobacco in favour of a purer diet. Strangely enough, modern health trends have aligned with some of his ideas—veganism, organic eating, and quitting smoking are more popular than ever. But one thing he never saw coming? The rise of ultra-processed junk food and fast-food empires that now dominate global diets. If Tesla thought people would evolve into health-conscious beings, he clearly didn’t predict the rise of deep-fried indulgence.
He also believed that water quality would be strictly regulated, making it unthinkable for anyone to drink unclean water. While this is partly true in developed nations, access to clean water remains a global crisis. Would Tesla be disappointed? Absolutely. He saw humanity’s potential but underestimated its self-destructive habits.
Wireless Power: The Energy Revolution That Never Happened
Of all Tesla’s predictions, none was more ambitious than his dream of free, wireless electricity. He believed energy should be accessible to all—no wires, no bills, no corporate control. His infamous Wardenclyffe Tower was designed to transmit power through the air, but the project was mysteriously shut down. Why? Because free energy doesn’t make money, and energy companies weren’t about to let Tesla disrupt their empire.
Photo Credit: Reddi/Creative Commons
Today, we live in a world that still clings to fossil fuels and corporate-controlled electricity grids. Wireless charging exists, but only in small-scale consumer products, not as the global revolution Tesla envisioned. If his dream had been realised, the world might be a very different place—one where no one had to choose between paying rent and keeping the lights on. But free power was too dangerous to those who profited from scarcity.
The Woman Who Would Rule the World
Tesla didn’t just predict technology—he also foresaw the rise of women in power. He declared that women would become the dominant force in society, leading with intellect rather than physical strength.
Looking at today’s world, he wasn’t entirely wrong. Women hold some of the highest positions in business, politics, and science, though true equality is still a work in progress. If Tesla were alive today, he might say, “I told you so,” but he would also push for more.
Tesla’s Greatest Prediction: The Future That Still Awaits
Tesla was not just an inventor. He was a man decades ahead of his time, a scientist whose mind could see beyond the present. Many of his visions have shaped the world we live in, while others remain unfulfilled, waiting for a future bold enough to embrace them. The real question isn’t whether Tesla was right—it’s whether we have the courage to bring his dreams to life or whether we will continue to let powerful interests bury them in the shadows.
