The most revolutionary inventions in history that have shaped society as we know it today. From the discovery of the use of fire, to the invention of AI, have caused significant changes on society throughout history with great potential to shape the future.
There have been many inventions throughout history that have revolutionized society. Some of the most notable ones include:
(Stone Age) Fire
Fire is not necessarily a human invention, but we invented ways to control it. An early precursor to many of the inventions listed, as it was one of the first tools used by early humans that allowed them to control their environment and improve their way of life.
There is an extensive debate on when the fire was “domesticated”, but Stone Age will be adopted as the begging of this process just as general rule for anything pertaining to the early stages of our evolution.
Time Magazine: Fire is one of the most important forces on Earth. The use of fire by humans has long been considered as a defining property of intelligence, separating us from other animals.
(1400 BCE) Writing Tools
Could be considered as a close parallel to the printing press, as it made it possible to record information and preserve it for future generations, which greatly increased the spread of knowledge and education.
With information initially written in stones and clay, it made it possible for people to keep a record recollecting stories and important elements of the culture. It also improved simnifically the way we make trades and log payments and debts.
(4500 – 3300 BCE, Copper Age) The Wheel
Smithsonian Magazine: Evidence indicates the wheel was created to serve as potter’s wheels around 3500 B.C. in Mesopotamia—300 years before they were used for chariots
The invention of the wheel allowed for the development of transportation and communication, which greatly impacted the way people lived and worked. With this new advancement it was now possible to carry more loads to greater distances and with less effort.
(~1440) The Printing Press
The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century made it possible to mass-produce books, which greatly increased the spread of knowledge and education. That had an immense impact on culture and religion. Now books could be more accessible and printed in distant parts of the map, in different languages and different versions.
(18th Century) Steam Engine
Although steam engines were already being used in a small scale since the early centuries, it was the new generation of the steam engines in the 18th century that led to the development of the Industrial Revolution, which greatly changed the way goods were produced and had a significant impact on the economy and society.
(1876) The telephone
Both Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray submitted independent patent applications concerning telephones to the patent office in Washington on February 14, 1876.1
The telefone revolutionized communication and greatly impacted the way people stayed connected with each other.
(1900) Radio
The radio revolutionized communication by making it possible to transmit information over long distances without the need for wires. It had a significant impact on society by making it possible to stay connected with others, as well as providing a new way to access information and entertainment.
At the end the 19th century there were many studies on the eletromagnética waves, but it was on in 1900 that someone finally made the first voice transmission. There after the radio is being used to this day, not just for listening to music in your car, but also many other way os wireless communication.
The Internet
The development of the Internet in the late 20th century has had a profound impact on society by connecting people from all over the world and providing access to vast amounts of information.
Computer
The invention of the electronic computer in the 20th century has greatly impacted society by making it possible to process and analyze large amounts of data, and has played a key role in the development of technology and industry.
AI
The invention of AI in the 21st century has the potential to revolutionize society by automating repetitive tasks, increasing productivity and efficiency, and creating new industries.
These are just a few examples of the many inventions that have had a significant impact on society throughout history.
1 – https://www.ericsson.com/en/about-us/history/changing-the-world/phones-for-everyone/the-invention-of-the-telephone
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