I bet if HN existed in 1890, this would absolutely be a comment on the thread "Introducing the Automobile."

The truth is almost every mode of transport is selfish. It's always selfish, until everyone starts using it, at which point it's revolutionary.

If they tried to introduce cars now, there is no way they would get through. Because they are truly ridiculous and horrible. A million deaths around the world directly, and another million due to pollution? Imagine trying to convince everyone that was a good idea.

Compared to walking dozens of miles everywhere? Remember that the only existing modes of transportation were bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. The car absolutely needed to happen to aid our progress as a civilization.

Everything looks bad in hindsight right? But it is the car that enabled the progression that makes the car impractical.

I agree. This invention does nothing of real value. Perhaps it makes you life a bit more convenient but it's the difference between ordering a pizza in 30 minutes and ordering a pizza in 10 minutes. This can't enhance human well-being- it's simply a toy for rich techies who can afford to pay a premium to get their stuff all the faster.

I wish Mr Bezos would focus on something of real value- asteroid mining and transferal of polluting industries off-world.