In ancient Greece and Rome the people asked the gods for advice and the gods were supposed to answer them through oracles.

These answers were given in "Al Kelly" doubletalk and were difficult to understand. Special priests and priestesses interpreted the meanings, also in doubletalk, and were given gifts to sweeten the predictions. Dishonest interpreters tricked the questioners and took their money.

At Delphi in Greece the Oracle supposedly spoke for Apollo. Her prophecies would emanate through weird sounds uttered in a mad frenzy. These strange sounds were delivered to the people as the words of Apollo. Cities and private individuals sought her advice. Her words influenced ancient Greek religion, economics and politics.

Do we have oracles or seers in modern times?

As I watched CNBC one afternoon, I witnessed a parade of stockbrokers, company presidents and mutual fund salesmen all predicting the future. Unabashedly and with no hesitation or shame, they told us what the various markets would do in the next few months or years. Although most of these prophets have dubious records and are wrong more often than right they are regarded as experts. Alan Greenspan chooses his words very carefully. His words are analyzed in depth. Different conclusions are reached by different people.

Nostradamus was also a prognosticator of future world events. In the 16th century, he supposedly predicted the rise of Adolf Hitler.

Every Sunday morning on television we hear the political pundits prognosticating. Being wrong in the past does not worry them in the least about predicting the future. What Chutzpah!

A newscaster reports the news but do these journalists see tomorrow very clearly?

People still consult Gypsy fortune tellers who tell them "You will meet a tall dark stranger." Chinese fortune cookies predict the future and give lottery numbers to play. Horse racing magazines give a history of past performance and then tout the reader on who will win the Kentucky Derby.

Can anyone be an expert on tomorrow?

Are correct prophecies merely coincidences?

As for "Modern Oracles" - be suspicious!