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'Great inventions in my lifetime: have there been any?' blog discussion

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This is the discussion to link on the back of Martin's blog. Please read the blog first, as this discussion follows it.
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  • how about the mobile phone? the first non-vehicle mobile communications device was invented in 1973, which just falls inside your lifetime, and they've made a huge impact on the world as a whole...

    b
  • *MF*
    *MF* Posts: 3,113 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Perhaps it is the "context" against which the invention arises which gives it real importance and value.

    In the late 80's and early '90' we all became aware of how widespread Aids was in Africa - but how in areas covering thousands and thousands of square miles do you get any medical or health information to people?

    That was the precise background to the invention of the Clockwork radio from Trevor Baylis. Radio - new? Not for us, for sure. But isolated and with no electricity - that wind up radio may well have been the invention of all time.
    If many little people, in many little places, do many little things,
    they can change the face of the world.

    - African proverb -
  • Zyyb
    Zyyb Posts: 99 Forumite
    My vote probably goes to the ISS or the new Virgin Galactic Space Ships that will allow 8 minutes of weightlessness 68 miles high
    The Number One Reason for the Success of the Internet

    Debt at highest - £23,240 - Debt as of May 15 - £2300 0% CC DFD - Mid 2016! Bloody wedding to save up for now!
  • verloren
    verloren Posts: 19 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    I'd go with the Euro.
  • The personal computer (better known as the "PC", in case you haven't heard the term :) )

    Putting computing power into the hands of the general "non IT professional" public and enabling the internet to really take off, connecting everyone across borders and boundaries into the "global village" regardless of race, colour or creed.
    --Simon.
  • foreversomeday
    foreversomeday Posts: 1,011 Forumite
    bladesuk1 wrote: »
    how about the mobile phone? the first non-vehicle mobile communications device was invented in 1973, which just falls inside your lifetime, and they've made a huge impact on the world as a whole...

    I think the mobile phone has had a dramatic effect on society, too. Possibly not the greatest invention, though!
    I don't believe and I never did that two wrongs make a right
  • MSE_Martin
    MSE_Martin Posts: 8,272 Money Saving Expert
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Its fascinating to read.... and i suppose part of the question depends on how much you choose to define it

    E.g. Was the PC such a great invention. The computer certainly was - but was but was turning it into a personal use version not innovation more than invention.

    The same for the mobile phone?

    More please :D
    Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert.
    Please note, answers don't constitute financial advice, it is based on generalised journalistic research. Always ensure any decision is made with regards to your own individual circumstance.
    Don't miss out on urgent MoneySaving, get my weekly e-mail at www.moneysavingexpert.com/tips.
    Debt-Free Wannabee Official Nerd Club: (Honorary) Members number 000
  • Crabman
    Crabman Posts: 9,942 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Combo Breaker
    MoneySavingExpert.com :D
  • mymatebob
    mymatebob Posts: 2,199 Forumite
    In my lifetime, there has been

    Interferon
    Internal Pace-maker
    The VCR

    and the first satellite
  • *MF*
    *MF* Posts: 3,113 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Year of your birth Martin - computed axial tomography - was introduced - and as a result of the success of the Beatles. Now we all knew that didn't we, lol.

    Yup! the Cat Scan was originally called the EMI Scan - and EMI were only able to afford the research costs because of those 4 guys from Liverpool.


    *EDIT*

    Got me thinking this has ...

    .... debate the PC, but would any of us be happy without the invention of a "mouse"?

    .... anyone not used Post-It notes?
    If many little people, in many little places, do many little things,
    they can change the face of the world.

    - African proverb -
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