What we think will happen can shape what does happen. My favourite example is Vannevar Bush’s ‘As we may think’ article from 1945 that looks like it predicted the Internet, but does so in part because it inspired the people who invented the infrastructure of the internet….
References
Borup, M. Borwn, N. Knorad, K. and Van Lente, H. 2006. The Sociology of Expectations in Science and Technology. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management. Vol. 18, (¾), pp.285-298.
marchudson.net 