Quantum computing is criticized as obfuscatory. The problem of an excessive number of continuous parameters is explained by Dyakonov. The origin of the idea of quantum computing (courtesy of Feynman) is investigated - was it just a desperate attempt to circumvent the limitations of computers in the early 1980s? His scepticism is noted as is the astonishing processing power of modern computers. The fundamental problems of quantum computing are set out: it defies basic physics by implicitly requiring subatomic control; it cannot be categorized within formal logic; it does not offer true general purpose computing; and, over four decades of work in the field has been fruitless. An alternative research and development objective (again courtesy of Feynman) - namely molecular nanotechnology (MNT) - is set out. The extreme shortcomings of the synthetic techniques of today’s material science are described. A brief background to MNT is given, including a summary of the debate between Smalley and Drexler. The simple theoretical resolution to this debate (multitasking) is given and contrasted with single purpose synthetic techniques. The remaining ‘causality dilemma’ is mentioned. The preferred materials of MNT (diamond and maybe silicon) are contrasted with the molecules of organic chemistry. A novel alternative (by Marson) to self or positional assembly for material synthesis is summarized - namely the directed evolution of mineral nanocrystals by utilizing affinity chromatography and microED technology (in preference to X-ray crystallography). The greater possibilities for self-assembly engendered by tailored nanocrystals are mentioned, as is the most obvious first use of mineral nanocrystals, namely dynamic catalysis.