Over the course of human existence, humans have had to invent several things to enable them to improve their daily routines. While the number of inventions is huge, there are truly spectacular human inventions that are worth mentioning. The modern inventions are mostly meant to offer more luxurious lifestyles. In the past, however, most of the early inventions were meant to enable humans to provide for their basic needs (Whyte, 1982). Arguably, some of the recent and modern inventions may in the future prove to be more impressive than the past inventions. This essay will focus on three of the most impressive human inventions and the impact that these inventions over the years.
The wheel is, arguably, the most popular human invention of all time. Historical studies have shown that many independent cultures around the globe have been using wheels to pull objects. Therefore, the invention cannot be attributed to a single culture. Over the years, the wheel has received significant improvements from various cultures such as the use of spokes and rubber tires. Even in the modern-day, the use of wheels is common and almost every movable object has wheels attached to it (Chaves, Engerman & Robinson, 2014). The tire production industry is a multi-billion industry around the world and this popularity is a sure sign of the impressive nature of the invention of the wheel. Considering the role and importance of transportation of humans from one place to another, it is safe to say that the wheel invention is the most popular invention yet.
The invention of vaccines is another impressive achievement by humans to help tackle the disease problem. Unfortunately for humans, the environment we live in is filled with all kinds of bacteria and disease-causing organisms that threaten to maim and kills humans. In the past centuries, outbreaks of disease such as polio have seen millions of people dying and communities wiped from the face of the earth. Drugs have always been around to help humans tackle some of these problems. However, the invention of vaccines revolutionized the drug industry and it has enabled humans to save millions of lives that would otherwise have perished in the absence of these vaccines (Whyte, 1982). In the present day, governments around the globe are investing in research for various vaccines to ensure that more lives are protected. Considering how effective these vaccines have been over the years, it only reiterates the impressive nature of this invention.
The satellite invention is another impressive human invention. The ability to send satellites into outer space has enabled humans to study the earth as well as other planets in space. Satellites have contributed immensely to the modernization of human lives as well as promoting civilization. Through satellites, humans have been able to navigate the earth, predict weather patterns and to communicate with each other efficiently. Weather prediction has been imperative to humans for centuries as they have been able to plan for agricultural activities and food production. These critical aspects have saved lives and led to the growth of human populations. Additionally, the satellite invention is still being upgraded with modern inventions that have enabled humans around the globe to be connected via various media. Without this invention, human communication would still be a difficult task.
In conclusion, it is undeniable that humans have invented various things that have enabled them to cope with their environments and to immensely improve the quality of their lives. The inventions of the wheel, vaccines, and satellites are among the most impressive inventions of all time. These inventions have not only saved lives, but they have also made many aspects of living easier. Undoubtedly, these three inventions are the most impressive human inventions in human history.
References
Chaves, I., Engerman, S. L., & Robinson, J. A. (2014). Reinventing the wheel: the economic benefits of wheeled transportation in early colonial British West Africa. Africa’s Development in Historical Perspective, 321-365.
Whyte, W. F. (1982). Social inventions for solving human problems. American Sociological Review, 47(1), 1-13.
Winston, B. (2002). Media, technology and society: A history: From the telegraph to the Internet. UK: Routledge.