Language counts as an invention, doesn't it? I mean, it isn't invented per se-- it develops naturally over time-- but it is a tool that doesn't appear by itself in nature (it's existence is dependent on someone using it).
Anyway... I pick Language and hope that it counts. The ability to communicate abstract ideas in a way that can be repeated is probably more fundamental to human civilization than anything else, save the existence of humans in the first place.
Fiction/Myth/Fantasy. The ability to escape reality through stories, theater, art, etc. It can be dangerous for society, but it has also produced 95 of my 100 favorite things on earth.
I'm also a huge fan of toothpaste. Seriously, there are all kinds of studies linking prime physical and mental health to good oral hygiene.
I would agree with Jake that Language is a pretty great invention, and yeah, it counts. In a more traditional view of an invention as in something that was mechanically created by a human to make life easier, better or more efficient, I would have to say the clock. Sure there was the concept and usage of time before the mechanical clock, but only on a local scale. Time based on the setting and rising of the sun was relative to the location and season of whomever was trying to figure out what time it was, and what did you do at night? Until the mechanical clock there was no such thing as being on time. That's pretty important, y'know?
Gutenberg's print press is my favorite. I would also enjoy a breathalizer attached to my cell phone to save me future embarrassment and improve the quality of my weekends.
Writing instruments in general. Think of all the history that's been recorded as a result of being able to actually put it to paper. Without them, we'd still be acting out/dancing/singing all of civilization's significant stories.
For some reason blogger dissed me when I tried to post this yesterday. Weak.
The printing press for sure. It was like the Big Bang of Ideas. (Ironically) The resulting rapid propagation and consumption of Ideas started the dismantling of religious totaliterian states. (Although you can make the argument these states still exist, but in more subtle, complex forms). Because of Ideas, the individual's relationship with the state was forever changed, generally for the better. While seemingly simple concepts to us now, Free Will and Free Thought, mere Ideas that were spread by the printed word, unraveled traditional structures and ushered in an explosion of The Arts and the Sciences.
Second to the printing press could very well be this here Internets, despite its best attempts to suppress my words by timing out when I press "publish your comment"
Oh yeah, and it's true, I totally went to college and stuff
Religion of course, religion has caused so many wars and so much death. Think of what the population would be without wars. Imagine 100 times as many assholes more than you already see on a daily basis. Religion has thankfully killed billions. And religion has kept us in the dark ages. Imagine where we would be if religion hadn't persecuted all of the great thinkers and scientists throughout the ages. We be living on other planets and have crappy space travel and would have already met many other alien races.
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16 comments:
Language counts as an invention, doesn't it? I mean, it isn't invented per se-- it develops naturally over time-- but it is a tool that doesn't appear by itself in nature (it's existence is dependent on someone using it).
Anyway... I pick Language and hope that it counts. The ability to communicate abstract ideas in a way that can be repeated is probably more fundamental to human civilization than anything else, save the existence of humans in the first place.
Fiction/Myth/Fantasy. The ability to escape reality through stories, theater, art, etc. It can be dangerous for society, but it has also produced 95 of my 100 favorite things on earth.
I'm also a huge fan of toothpaste. Seriously, there are all kinds of studies linking prime physical and mental health to good oral hygiene.
Tampons hands down… I don't mean to be grotesque but it is a pretty great invention.
The KX-9000.
I would agree with Jake that Language is a pretty great invention, and yeah, it counts. In a more traditional view of an invention as in something that was mechanically created by a human to make life easier, better or more efficient, I would have to say the clock. Sure there was the concept and usage of time before the mechanical clock, but only on a local scale. Time based on the setting and rising of the sun was relative to the location and season of whomever was trying to figure out what time it was, and what did you do at night? Until the mechanical clock there was no such thing as being on time. That's pretty important, y'know?
Gutenberg's print press is my favorite. I would also enjoy a breathalizer attached to my cell phone to save me future embarrassment and improve the quality of my weekends.
Bicycles are my favorite. Also a big fan of guitars, indoor plumbing, and the deep fryer.
I like the internet... because its entertaining and educational.
I use to think it was the Lusty Lady. Now, I think it is the pillow.
Writing instruments in general. Think of all the history that's been recorded as a result of being able to actually put it to paper. Without them, we'd still be acting out/dancing/singing all of civilization's significant stories.
On second thought...
language makes me infuriated. i'll take the electric bass guitar.
nice!
Tivo/DVR boxes.
For some reason blogger dissed me when I tried to post this yesterday. Weak.
The printing press for sure. It was like the Big Bang of Ideas. (Ironically) The resulting rapid propagation and consumption of Ideas started the dismantling of religious totaliterian states. (Although you can make the argument these states still exist, but in more subtle, complex forms). Because of Ideas, the individual's relationship with the state was forever changed, generally for the better. While seemingly simple concepts to us now, Free Will and Free Thought, mere Ideas that were spread by the printed word, unraveled traditional structures and ushered in an explosion of The Arts and the Sciences.
Second to the printing press could very well be this here Internets, despite its best attempts to suppress my words by timing out when I press "publish your comment"
Oh yeah, and it's true, I totally went to college and stuff
Matches/lighters. I really like them a lot better than hitting rocks together. I enjoy cooked food and such.
I should probably say penicillin or ciprofloxacin, which actually helped me out once when I really needed it. But no, I'm going with the Ipod.
Religion of course, religion has caused so many wars and so much death. Think of what the population would be without wars. Imagine 100 times as many assholes more than you already see on a daily basis. Religion has thankfully killed billions. And religion has kept us in the dark ages. Imagine where we would be if religion hadn't persecuted all of the great thinkers and scientists throughout the ages. We be living on other planets and have crappy space travel and would have already met many other alien races.
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