I was wondering if there is a general consensus world wide about which inventions and or discoveries have had the MOST favorable impact on human life from it’s start (I don’t care what you believe as far as evolution -vs- creationism) to the present day. Looking at all aspects, here are my choices, in chronological order. 1. Fire, the ability to make at will and control. I think this opened up countless options for humans, from cooking food to seeing at night, defense against animals, etc. 2. Alphabet/writing. All the knowledge gained by the previous generation would be useless without a way to pass on and preserve long term. Not just English but all writing forms (cuneiform,hieroglyphics,Cryillic) If you are reading this now give thanks to the Phoenicians. 3. Electricity. Honestly, just how f**ked would the entire world be without it, from what you are doing on the computer now to heating your house. I know I left out a lot, but I was going after the most far ranging choices. What do you think?
AC current verses DC, Steam Engine/Motor, Internet
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I agree with your choices, but focusing on inventions rather than discoveries, I rank the invention of movable type and the printing press as the most important development since the beginning of writing. This made literacy more than just something for the elite.
Having discovered fire and learned to control it, the next important invention would be locomotion. The ability to harness that energy and use it to move ships and vehicles long distances, and also to generate electricity. It began with steam and moved on to internal combustion engines, including our modern gas turbines.
Finally, I would say the discovery of microbes and their impact on our health has led to the invention of much of our modern medicine. Man’s ability to capture the essence of these wonderful phenomena and turn them into tools.has raised our civilization far above the superstition and savagery of ancient times and catapulted us into a wonderful modern age.
And we should be grateful for today’s challenges. Yesterday’s challenges led to these great inventions and discoveries. Today’s challenges will lead us into the inventions and discoveries of tomorrow.
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