#GoodMarkets: Impacts from the World’s Most Important Inventions
Which invention had the greatest positive impact on society, and why?
TL;DR💚
Progress and innovation often take the form of unresolved risk. When things are first introduced to a small group of people, there will be skeptics and copycats. Most ideas may never make it to the market, and others coincidentally disrupt the reality which we thought was static. The inventions below each had major impacts on the world we inhabit. How did they impact us and which inventions of today will be the future we look back on with amazement?
The purpose of this article is to spark the reader to be inspired by the everyday things we use, and to think more about the future technologies which will share our new reality. Which of the below was the most significant, in your opinion? Leave a comment, and subscribe below for more content like this.
The Inventions and their Inventors
- Adhesive Tape, Richard Drew, 1930: The invention of adhesive tape has had a profound impact on various industries, including the medical, film, automotive, and packaging industries. It has been used for mending, bonding, holding substrates together, and as a quick repair. The evolution of adhesive tapes has found applications in industries such as automotive, building and construction, shipping and packaging, aviation, and electronics repair 1 2 3
- Airplane, Orville & Wilbur Wright, 1903: The invention of the airplane revolutionized transportation and travel. It has made the world more connected and has had a significant impact on trade, tourism, and warfare. Air travel has also contributed to the global economy and cultural exchange 4
- Electric Light Bulb, Thomas Edison, 1879: The electric light bulb has had a transformative impact on society by providing a reliable and safe source of light. It has extended the productive hours of the day, improved safety and security, and enabled various industries to operate 24/7. The light bulb has also contributed to the development of urban centers and the expansion of the global economy 5
- Refrigerator, Ferdinand Carre, 1859: The invention of the refrigerator has had a significant impact on food preservation, storage, and distribution. It has reduced food waste, improved food safety, and enabled the availability of a wider variety of foods year-round. The refrigerator has also contributed to the development of the food industry and has improved public health.
- Radio, Guglielmo Marconi, 1895: The invention of the radio has revolutionized communication and entertainment. It has enabled the real-time transmission of information, news, and entertainment over long distances. The radio has also played a crucial role in the development of the music industry, journalism, and mass media.
- Sewing Machine (lockstitch), Elias Howe, 1846: The invention of the sewing machine has had a profound impact on the textile and garment industries. It has increased the speed and efficiency of garment production, reduced the cost of clothing, and improved the quality of the finished products. The sewing machine has also contributed to the empowerment of women and the development of the fashion industry.
- Compass, Chinese, 2nd century BC: The invention of the compass has had a transformative impact on navigation and exploration. It has enabled sailors and explorers to navigate the seas and discover new lands. The compass has also played a crucial role in the development of trade, commerce, and the global economy.
- Paper, Chinese, 2nd century BC: The invention of paper has had a profound impact on human civilization. It has enabled the recording and transmission of knowledge, information, and culture. Paper has also played a crucial role in the development of education, literature, art, and science.
- Dynamite, Alfred Nobel, 1866: The invention of dynamite has had a significant impact on various industries, including mining, construction, and warfare. It has been used for excavation, demolition, and the construction of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and tunnels. Dynamite has also played a big role in the development of the mining industry and the extraction of natural resources.
- Guillotine, Dr. Joseph I. Guillotin, 1792: The invention of the guillotine has had a profound impact on the history of France and the world. It was used during the French Revolution for the execution of thousands of people, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. The guillotine has also become a symbol of the struggle for human rights and the abolition of the death penalty.
Copyright 2023, All rights reserved, by Zecca Lehn via @posi2ive. No advice given here (e.g., financial / legal / business / other). All views expressed represent those of the author personally at the time of writing, and not those of any external business entity nor organization. Content generated partially with both Perplexity.ai and ChatGPT — we made best attempt, but please do your own fact checking to confirm statistics.
