I can't see any reason that anyone would want a computer of his own, DEC president Ken Olsen declared at a May 1974 meeting where his operations committee was debating whether to create a smaller version of its PDP-8 for personal consumers.
In May 1974, during a pivotal meeting at Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), president Ken Olsen expressed skepticism about the demand for personal computers. He believed there was no compelling reason for individuals to own their own computers, reflecting the prevailing mindset of the time regarding computing technology. His comments came as the operations committee debated the possibility of developing a smaller, consumer-oriented version of the PDP-8.
This moment highlights a significant period in the evolution of technology when the concept of personal computing was not yet widely accepted. Olsen's viewpoint encapsulates the attitudes of many industry leaders who underestimated the future impact of personal computers on society. Walter Isaacson’s book, "The Innovators," explores how visionaries and innovators ultimately transformed the landscape of technology, paving the way for personal computing's rise.
