Introduction : leveling the exponential curve -- 1. The birthday-present syndrome -- 2. The perils of prediction -- 3. The unintended wager -- 4. If it ain't broke, be grateful -- 5. More powerful than a locomotive -- 6. Faster than a speeding bullet -- 7. Leap tall buildings in a single bound -- 8. Corrective lenses -- 9. For better or for worse -- 10. Playing with matches -- 11. Fear and anxiety -- 12. Technologies that touch us -- 13. Innovation stimulation -- 14. What's mine is mine -- Conclusion : vaccinate against the hype.