http://www.telegra...-of-Americans.html

Americans are largely optimistic about the future, according to the poll from the Pew Research Center For The People and The Press/Smithsonian Magazine.

By mid century, 71 per cent believe cancer will be cured, 66 per cent say artificial limbs will work better than real ones and 81 per cent believe computers will be able to converse like humans.

But Americans are also braced for a major energy crisis and a warming planet, according to the survey. More than half, or 58 per cent, fear another world war in the next 40 years and 53 per cent expect a terrorist attack against the United States using a nuclear weapon.

The poll also shows a sharp dip in overall optimism from 1999, when 81 per cent said they were optimistic about life for themselves and their families. The current poll found just 64 per cent were.

Sixty-one percent said they were optimistic about the future of the United States, compared to 70 percent in 1999. And 56 percent predicted the US economy would be stronger in 40 years, compared to 64 percent of those polled in 1999.

Here are some other findings of the poll:

• 71 per cent believe cancer will be cured by 2050.

• 81 per cent believe computers will be able to converse like humans.

• 68 per cent of those under 30 predict a world war by 2050.

• 53 per cent say ordinary people will travel in space

• Nearly three-quarters, or 74 per cent, of those polled believe it likely that "most of our energy will come from sources other than coal, oil, and gas".

• Yet 72 per cent believe the world is likely to experience a major worldwide energy crisis by 2050.

• 66 per cent say the Earth will definitely or probably get warmer but it breaks down strongly along political lines, with just 48 per cent of Republicans saying so and 83 per cent of Democrats.

• 42 per cent say it is likely that scientists will be able to tell what people are thinking by scanning their brains but 55 say this will definitely or probably not happen.

• 89 per cent believe a woman will be elected US president by 2050.

• 86 per cent say it is at least probable that most Americans will have to work into their 70s before retiring.

• 41 per cent say Jesus Christ will return within the next 40 years while 46 per cent say this will definitely or probably not happen.

• 63 per cent anticipate the demise of paper money

• 61 per cent say almost no one will send letters by 2050.

• 31 per cent expect the planet will be struck by an asteroid.

Lady Jesus for Space President.

C'mon Splumer, anybody who's anybody knows the rapture is 15 days away and we blip out of existence after a 5 month zombie bloodbath on the 21st of October 2011.

Posted by Livingstone C'mon Splumer, anybody who's anybody knows the rapture is 15 days away and we blip out of existence after a 5 month zombie bloodbath on the 21st of October 2011.

That would explain the fridge full of beer and the two cases of booze in my garage...

Posted by Livingstone C'mon Splumer, anybody who's anybody knows the rapture is 15 days away and we blip out of existence after a 5 month zombie bloodbath on the 21st of October 2011.

imagine how disappointed the relig-o-loons will be when we're still here on October 22.

Posted by Samurai imagine how disappointed the relig-o-loons will be when we're still here on October 22.

Bible GUARANTEES it Sam!(Says Camping anyway)

but really, imagine going back to work on monday the 23rd!

Wouldn't they have had quit their jobs? I mean I would if I was certain the world was going to end this year.

• 41 per cent say Jesus Christ will return within the next 40 years while 46 per cent say this will definitely or probably not happen.

Interesting. I'd like to see what age groups were polled in this. The results are probably quite different with and without the 18-35 age group.

• 71 per cent believe cancer will be cured by 2050.
I'm certain we have figured out a cure but.... Cancer is extremely profitable.

• 68 per cent of those under 30 predict a world war by 2050.
Such cynical bastards we are. Count me in the 68%

• 53 per cent say ordinary people will travel in space
This would be pretty neat

• Nearly three-quarters, or 74 per cent, of those polled believe it likely that "most of our energy will come from sources other than coal, oil, and gas".
I really hope so.

• Yet 72 per cent believe the world is likely to experience a major worldwide energy crisis by 2050.
Yep. As a species, we seem to be really good at not taking things seriously until it's nearly to late to.

• 42 per cent say it is likely that scientists will be able to tell what people are thinking by scanning their brains but 55 say this will definitely or probably not happen.
You mean this isn't already true?

• 89 per cent believe a woman will be elected US president by 2050.
I'm certain this will happen.

• 86 per cent say it is at least probable that most Americans will have to work into their 70s before retiring.
This is depressing, but probably true.

• 31 per cent expect the planet will be struck by an asteroid.
I didn't know 31% of America's population consisted of astronomers and astrophysicists!

Posted by Oryx • 89 per cent believe a woman will be elected US president by 2050. I'm certain this will happen.

What is actually most interesting to me is... Is a woman more or less likely to become president after this happens:

scientists will be able to tell what people are thinking by scanning their brains