RFID has the power to change retail but it's not there yet. This has intrigued me for a long time. Standardization isn't there yet to support it 100%.
I'm still optimistic about the future. I think every generation ponders this very question and comes away with feelings of fear and anxiety. Look at the WWII generation, the series of life-changing technological breakthroughs in medicine, transport, and agriculture that occurred throughout their lives was exponential. I'm sure during the Cold War, pondering questions about the future left people feeling even more dire as the thought of nuclear warfare revealed the disparity and hopelessness potentially just around the corner. 'Tundraphile' made many good points, particularly about individuals striving for goals in life that are more rewarding and verdant, things materialism can't compete with. The Earth's total population and it's increasing rate is unprecedented and this very fact will alter our 20th century thinking as we try to apply our know-how to the 21st century; things won't work out like we thought, just take a look at the 2008-present global credit and deficit crisis. I think the coming generations will prevail and I'm hopeful an energy solution, by means of scientific breakthroughs, will help sustain humanity on this Earth. Besides, being optimistic is better for your health.
