The world is constantly moving forward. This is possible, in particular, thanks to the acquisitions and inventions of previous generations. Although most of them seem familiar to us (for example, the wheel is unlikely to surprise anyone today), their creation helped humanity take a big step towards progress.
In this article you will learn about the 10 most important inventions that changed the life of mankind.
- Wheel
The history of this invention is not simple. Some historians consider the wheel a merit of the Sumerians, while others tend to think that it was invented in Central Europe. But whoever was the first discoverer, the idea of this invention spread to the whole world, which radically changed it.
The wheel was used not only to facilitate movement and transportation. It prompted the creation of further inventions: a potter’s wheel, a mill, a lathe, a water wheel, etc.
- Plough
It is hard to imagine what agriculture would be like today (or if it would be at all) if people had not invented the plow at one time. It is not known for sure who is the author of this invention, but the earliest references to it date back to Ancient Egypt.
The plow helped increase the efficiency of agriculture. The new invention made it possible to collect a larger amount of harvest from a smaller area.
- Penicillin
Penicillin is an invention that is not directly related to technology, but its importance cannot be overestimated. If earlier any scratch or small wound (not to mention serious injuries) could lead to fatal consequences, then with the advent of penicillin, the chances of survival increased many times over.
It is interesting that penicillin was actively used during the Second World War. This “miraculous” invention helped the military to treat venereal diseases.
- Steam engine
The steam engine is a vivid example of the fact that “laziness is the driver of progress.” Thanks to this invention, humanity does not need to exert its own physical effort to work on such a scale as it once did. The invention of the steam engine gave impetus to other discoveries, including the invention of the automobile and the airplane.
- Printing machine
In 1450, an invention appeared that changed human consciousness forever. And this is a printing press. It was from him that the European cultural and industrial revolution began. From now on, the printed press, documents and books are available not only to the wealthy, but also to everyone who wants them.
- Compass
In ancient times, the most accurate, but not reliable, landmarks in the area were the stars and the sun. The invention of the compass in the 2nd-1st century BC motivated mankind to travel longer distances, especially on water.
By the way, this invention is based on magnetite (naturally magnetized ore) – it was used for the first compasses.
- Contraceptives
Contraceptives are another invention without which it would be difficult for humanity to do. They help to control the birth rate among the population (and this is very important in countries where the birth rate is many times higher than the death rate). In addition, contraceptives, such as condoms, reduce the risk of transmission of dangerous diseases between sexual partners.
- Phone
Do you also feel like you have no hands when you forgot your phone at home? And once people knew nothing about him. And it was difficult. The invention of the telephone greatly accelerated communication between people, regardless of the distance between them. It is no longer necessary to wait for a letter for days, or even weeks; with a new invention you can just call.
- Internet
The Internet combines a huge number of possibilities. Thanks to this invention, humanity can do more things in less time: communicate with loved ones, study, learn languages, work or just have fun. The benefits of the Internet are enormous, the main thing is to learn how to use it correctly.
- Electronic money
The first credit cards appeared more than 70 years ago in the USA – thanks to them it was possible to pay for purchases online. Now this invention is used not only to pay for purchases, but also to pay for various services and conduct banking operations.
