What's the greatest invention man has created throughout history?
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Greatest invention man created throughout history?
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I'd say the greatest invention has been the conceptualization of the number 10 as in the modern numeral system. This is in conjunction with depicting the first 9 digits in abstract form, i.e 3 is not III or 4 is not IIII.
This is something we take for granted today, but if you realize it took a millenia for Europe to accept this in lieu of using X for the same. Language does not necessarily lead to civilization.
Putting a 'zero' after the 1 as the tenth digit is an awesome quantum concept jump. Something that made modern society possible, and hence 'civilization' as we know it today. Without the invention of 10 (which includes the concept of zero) people would not have been able to count much beyond the number of sheep in the flock.
Just for comparison try multiplying two 3 digit numbers using roman numerals, you'll get a feel how limited civilizations using them were conceptually.
I think the invention of 10 to be the greatest quantum concept leap for civilization. More so than anything else ever and since. (Only talking about 'civilization' as we know it today).Last edited by subba; 23 Feb 07,, 09:13.
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Originally posted by subba View PostI'd say the greatest invention has been the conceptualization of the number 10 as in the modern numeral system.Language does not necessarily lead to civilization.In the realm of spirit, seek clarity; in the material world, seek utility.
Leibniz
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