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Thread: Just a pondering

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Just a pondering

    During a recent visit to the loo, I pondered a relatively simple question that made me curious. What were the most important things that man has created?

    Now some would say things like fire, but man didn't create fire, man created ways to utilize it. Some would say things like TV, but modern technology sits on the shoulders of millions of crucial inventions, some far more crucial than others to have put us where we are today.

    Now an obvious one would be the wheel. maybe gunpowder. I personally think the spring is a particularly critical invention.

    So like I said, simple question, I was just curious what others could think of.

  2. #2
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    If I wanted to be fasicious, I'd say, latté...

    But my real answer is...language.
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  3. #3
    During a recent visit to the loo

    indoor plumbing would be right up there in my book

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Becker
    If I wanted to be fasicious, I'd say, latté...

    But my real answer is...language.
    Jim,

    I'd argue that man didn't create language, because there is hard scientific evidence that animals have languages of their own. IMO it would be fair to say that man took language to another level.


    I'd also say that writing and the ability to permanently capture information is our most significant invention.

    Rob
    Last edited by Rob Russell; 11-07-2006 at 9:48 PM.

  5. #5
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    Good point, Rob. I seem to have forgotten that our two birds communicate with us quite clearly with sounds, words (really) and gestures....but then again, man is also an animal! I wonder if "complex language" would be more appropriate, although we really don't know what the depth and complexity of communication in the animal world really is...

    But you are right...writing is quite significant in all respects.
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  6. #6
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    I'd have to agree with Rob. The permanency of the written word has allowed one generation or group to build on the accomplishments of the previous.





    But beer and chocolate are right up there too...
    Where did I put that tape measure...

  7. #7
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    The Thermos.


    Why, you ask? Because it keeps hot things hot, and cold things cold!




















    The real mystery is......How does it know?






    I realize this was a serious question, and I will need to ponder a while as well...but I just couldn't resist.

    Mark
    Last edited by Mark Stutz; 11-07-2006 at 10:20 PM.

  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Becker
    I wonder if "complex language" would be more appropriate
    I've given this some thought myself and I think it is abstract communication. Animals can certainly communicate, but humans can talk about something that is not present. We can even talk about things that have never existed. Right here on the Creek, we often give each other ideas about how to solve problems that we haven't directly experienced.

    Any time you feel stupid, imagine just how wonderful humans are that we can do things like that. Or imagine how different the world would be if we couldn't.


    On a different level, the basic "machines" that they teach us about in high school are just amazing. One of my favorites is so basic it doesn't get any recognition - momentum. Think of how much more force you have when you swing a hammer instead of trying to push a nail into a board with a hammer. The guy (or gal) who figured that out probably moved humanity further forward than any other. Inclined planes, wedges, levers, wheels, pulleys, hydraulics - they are all great, but momentum was probably the first.

    Deep thoughts.
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  9. #9
    Awww maaannnnn.............ya gotta ponder in the 'loo????????

    I thought it was used for readin the comics n' sports section...


    Guess I's have to say the coffee cup.....THATS the most important thing I use all day. Matter of fact....I'm usin it right now.
    Joe
    ------------------------------------------------


    Experience...is simply the name we give our mistakes.

    Oscar Wilde
    .................................................. ..................

  10. #10
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    The most important thing that man has created was himself through years of evolution which has separated himself from the beast.

    However, when watching the nightly news, one may easily argue my point of view.

    -Jeff

  11. #11
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    The idea of making tools to make other tools, such as the wheel!

    Plus, you can't say "POND"ering around here anymore! I think the correct term must now be creekering.

  12. #12
    I vote for the inclined plane. Whitout it, there would be no woodworking. No saws, no chisels, no planes.....
    I have been black and blue in some spot, somewhere, almost all my life from too intimate contacts with my own furniture. - Frank Lloyd Wright

    I have been black and blue and bloody in some spot, somewhere, almost all my life from too intimate contacts while building my own furniture. - Rennie Heuer

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mark Stutz
    The Thermos

    Mark
    Beat me to it! But I agree thsi will take some creekering


  14. #14
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    "Just one word" "Plastics"


    From "The Graduate"

    : Mr. McGuire: I just want to say one word to you -just one word.
    : : Ben: Yes sir.
    : : Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?
    : : Ben: Yes I am.
    : : Mr. McGuire: 'Plastics.'
    : : Ben: Exactly how do you mean?
    : : Mr. McGuire: There's a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it?
    : : Ben: Yes I will.
    : : Mr. McGuire: Shh! Enough said. That's a deal.
    "All great work starts with love .... then it is no longer work"

  15. #15
    Refridgeration
    Specialized education
    Vaccines
    Pin-up girls
    Steel
    Long distance communication
    The clock
    Glue
    Plastics
    Energy storage

    Mitch
    "I love the smell of sawdust in the morning".
    Robert Duval in "Apileachips Now". - almost.


    Laserpro Spirit 60W laser, Corel X3
    Missionfurnishings, Mitchell Andrus Studios, NC

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