Originally posted by King Kandy
This is not going to go anywhere unless we have a clear definition of what an invention is. I would definitely not consider fire an invention, and language seems sketchy at best.
Well, fire isn't an invention of humans, but we learned how to master it, and create it.
As for language, it's not only the ability to speak, but also the ability to write and to pass informations and stories in time.
1: Anesthetics: Pretty much every surgical advance since anesthetics have only been possible because of them. Without them we would still be in the dark ages with mortality rates in surgery being horrifically bad and people still biting on leather straps and screaming in agony as operations are performed. Their importance simply cannot be overstated.
2: Sewage systems: Without them cities would not have been able to expand to the level they have as disease would be so concentrated and devastating that large and dense populations would simply be impossible.
3: The wheel: For obvious reason. Most important invention for transportation ever.
4: The Internet: Some say knowledge is power. The internet has allowed the instant (and mostly free)transfer of information across the world.
5: Antibiotics and drugs...Contributed to a vastly lower mortality rate across the world
6: Electricity: Obviously important for every other invention that relies on it.
7: Ore refining: Allows the use of every metal used in everything.
8: Oil refining: It powers the world...enough said.
9: Mass agriculture: Has allowed enough food to be produced and so allows the expansion of humanity.
10: Will think of something else later.