101 Objects that changed the world !

I would agree with coinage being in the top two.

Coinage completely changed power structures, funding of governments, how marketplaces functioned, greatly expanded trade, served as impromptu banks, (bury your coins), etc.

While we collect the little metal pieces of metal called coins, "coinage" has much larger, further effects than just striking coins. It fundamentally changed how governments markets function, two of the most important aspects of human existence.

 

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Doug, where was the WSOP on the list?

Chris

 

Boo, unfair, etc. All I get is that female voice who tells me that this content yadda yadda see above. Guess they use some kind of geographic (IP address) filter then.

Hey, do you realize that you started two new topics very recently? Ah yes, you do ...

Christian

 

I have a problem with the bible as number one, unless they are talking about the Guttenburg bible and the invention of movable type.

Is the bible more influential than the koran? Or the torah? What about the sacred texts of buddhism? To me its just a little euro-centric to claim one holy book was more influential than the others. Yes, Europe was dramatically changed by the bible, but central asia was by the koran, and east asia by buddhism. It all depends on WHO wrote the list I suppose.

 

While I agree, Chris, I was hesitant to post further on my objections there as it's getting into the religious discussions. Maybe we can start a thread in the appropriate place as I'd sure have a lot to contribute to that discussion.
Guy

 

True, but I thought my post was free from "religion" and simply more about history. I never wish to talk about anyone's beliefs, as I believe its a personal matter, but I love all aspects of history tied up around religion.

I guess I was simply trying to say I would not have chosen a holy book in the list to avoid the arguments that would naturally arise from them choosing ANY holy book.

If you wish to discuss further I agree that is should be somewhere else most likely.

 

Judging from the items on the list - some American(s), I suppose.

Christian

 

Hmmm, yeah, I don't buy that. It has a component of one, and IS a component of another.

If they are trying to say the holy books of the three large monotheistic religions on earth that would be a different discussion. That argument could be defensible, though so could broadening the definition of "coinage" to mean all money I believe could be more important than any factor in human history.

 

GDJMSP do you remember where the printing press was
on the list or the computer processor?

 

I would have thought

gunpowder
coins
planting/harvesting crops
The printing press
the computer [specifically the PC]
The internet.

[Not necessarily in that order.]

and at # 5,456 eBay!

 

naming something is not creating or inventing it.

 

Even a $15 dial up modem is how most people
in the late 90's got their start on the Internet.

 

Lol. Ok then. That's a pretty funny invention to leave off the list. Yes, its only really affected humankind for 70 years or so, but think its been pretty much the most important change in human civilization the past 30 years in my eyes.

That's the problem with these lists, they are always full of holes depending on your perspective. Still, they make for great conversations.

 

Just something I heard once-upon-a-time was that they had movable print in Korea several hunderd years before Guttenburg. Problem...they limited it to being only for religious texts. Religion is very important to mankind, but academics and technology have to be there too.

 

He turned it from a military use only system into something that is available to the public- he did much more than name it- he was pretty visionary to see what this could become and worked hard to make it happen.