Or, in the case of the office isolator pictured above, simply too weird for any time.

That doesnt even include the sci-fi titles he started like Amazing Stories.

Theyre simply some of the most interesting old ideas for the future from a century ago.

Hugo Gernsback’s 1925 idea for the “Isolator,” an office invention that allowed workers to cut out distractions.

Hugo Gernsback’s 1925 idea for the “Isolator,” an office invention that allowed workers to cut out distractions.Image: Science and Invention

you’ve got the option to read about that invention and more by clicking through the slideshow.

News from the future, delivered to your present.

U.S. President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC

A fragment of organic glass formed from the brain of an individual in Herculaneum.

Transylvania Diaries

Cannibalism Evidence

Bayeaux Tapestry

Redacted nuke cartoon

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media during a guided tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before leading a board meeting on March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Metaquest3s

Sharks

Animaid The Art Of Animation

Mon Mothma Genevieve O’reilly Tony Gilroy Andor Lucasfilm

Predator 1987

Padmecover

Olo

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media during a guided tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before leading a board meeting on March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Metaquest3s

Sharks

Animaid The Art Of Animation

An image of a small disposable vape with a green case and mouth piece and visible oil in a clear container.

An image of a hand holding a black vape with a vibrant blue chamber where you can faintly see a laser.

Framework 13 Laptop 1 Hero

Samsung Odyssey 3d 6