A writer will inspire nations through his work on the Internet. He will be hailed as the new Shakespeare. A philosopher will reveal fundamental truths in simple language. He will be hailed as the new Socrates. Ten years later, everyone thinks these people were talking nonsense.
Robots take over the world, and make humans their slaves.
Robots never do work out how to climb stairs, and stay in factories. Genetically Modified foods are banned throughout the world, and the whole science gets stopped. After a short period of re-adjustment and thought, GM foods are accepted under close regulation and labelling. GM foods become ubiquitous throughout the world although most people don't trust them. The tomatoes take over the world, and make humans their slaves.