We grew up reading about inventions that have changed the course of mankind. But to be very honest, I couldn’t relate to most of them and didn’t really bother finding out more about them. Blame it on my limited mental bandwidth or sheer lack of interest in anything hyped, very few inventions have left a lasting impression on my mind.
So here’s a list of my top ten favorite inventions of all times!
1. Camera Obscura
My all time favorite invention by human mind – you can trace this invention back to somewhere in the early 1800. I love the camera. The fact that you can actually freeze a moment in time as a memory which is not just an impression on your mind, fascinates me to bits. So clearly, this tops the list.
2. The Pencil
Imagine a world without pencil! And no, pens came way later! If I am not mistaken, Conte invented the pencil in late 1700. Absolutely spellbinding.
3. The Internet
TimBL’s gift to the human race has altered the way we think, function and even dream. The Internet is a revolutionary invention and only grows to surprise us by the day.
4. The Telephone
Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone has changed the way the world communicates. Telephone has to be considered a great work of man’s imagination. Wow. Can’t imagine a world without phones, can we?
5. Jeans!
OK, I think a pair of jeans is one of the best things ever! In 1880s, Strauss gave the world ‘serge de Nimes’ (denims) and I swear to God, this is one of the best gifts to us lesser mortals.
6. The T.V.
As much as I hate to admit, I think the Idiot Box was a miracle invention. Truly fascinating! I can’t recall who really invented the Television coz I remember there was some dispute about it. But nonetheless, it is definitely one of my favorite inventions.
7. The Braille System
Louis Braille, who refused to let circumstances get the better of him, formed a world of dots that has given a purpose of life to many of those who are visually impaired. Could anyone ever imagine that blind people could actually read? Take a bow!
8. The Bulb
Yes, Edison’s invention lit up our lives forever. Thank you for this absolutely fantastic invention!
9. The Zero
Thanks to Aryabhatta, the world will always remember our contribution to numbers. The Absolute. The Zero.
10. The Steam Engine & The Airplane
Fine! I give up. No matter how much I didn’t think I would, the damn Steam Engine is definitely one of the most useful contributions to mankind. But sharing the space with the Steam Engine is the Aeroplane. Thanks to the Wright brothers, the world became more believable and accessible. And also now, home’s only 2.5 hours away.
So what’s your favorite invention? Tell me!
