What is humanity's greatest technological achievement?

[Homerboy]

Whenever you watch those shows on Discovery/NOVA etc and they discuss the "tehcnological marvels of mankind" they ALWAYS conclude that the Shuttle Orbiter is by far the greatest technological marvel man has (yet) produced. It seems to be a general concensus amoungst those brainiacs.

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: beer
Some of you are giving me the most significant, but not the greatest. The wheel, writing, tools, etc, may be the most significant (as in, ushering a new era) but they aren't our 'greatest' achievements.

Sliced Bread

 

[spaceman]

currency.

 

[Homerboy]

Makes Sense

 

[deejayshakur]

playboy's 50th anniversary issue said:

1)apple macintosh
2)the pill
3)sony betamax sl-7200 vcr
4)ak-47
5)motorola dynatac 8000x cell phone

 

[ThePresence]

Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.
--Dave Barry

 

[MAME]

wheel

 

[TheAudit]

The self-lighting cigar.

 

[eigen]

Computer no doubt , computers lead to AI and AI pwns all

 

[Kyteland]

language

 

[TechBoyJK]

trying to be true to the question, i firmly believe it is the concept of the CPU and the surrounding computer technology. not only could the internet not be possible without it, everything else computer based would not be possible.

 

[ThePresence]

Originally posted by: TechBoyJK
trying to be true to the question, i firmly believe it is the concept of the CPU and the surrounding computer technology. not only could the internet not be possible without it, everything else computer based would not be possible.

And without electricity, the semiconductor etc. the computer wouldn't be possible!

 

[ajpa123]

Using many forms of technology including the internet and electronic trading to allow Globalization to integrate the poorer economies of the world into the global economy so that they can begin to catch up.

 

[Mr N8]

The battery.

 

[pcmodem]

1. beer [from donlondon]
2. pizza [from donlondon]
3. sports cars
4. paid holidays/vacation
5. sports
6. music
7. laptops

 

[Homerboy]

Originally posted by: TechBoyJK
trying to be true to the question, i firmly believe it is the concept of the CPU and the surrounding computer technology. not only could the internet not be possible without it, everything else computer based would not be possible.

I think by "staying true" you have to name ONE SINGLE item... make/model/serial number if you have it. Not a generalization of a type of technology. If you say "CPU" then youd have to name a SPECIFIC CPU that broke out of the mold and set the standard for everything to come...

Hence my "Space Shuttle" vote (ok ok... I know... WHICH SHUTTLE?!) But saying space shuttle is specific over "space ships"

 

[K1052]

I can't decide between the Internet and Tivo.

 

[AIWGuru]

Depo Provera

 

[Homerboy]

Originally posted by: AIWGuru
Depo Provera

Hmm I just noticed your name is AIWGuru and in your signature you dont even list a AIW? but rather a Hauppauge WinTV Go FM ... and not even a ATI video card?

Then again, my name isnt "Homer"

 

[maddogchen]

The TOILET!!! I don't know what I'd do without it

 

[JoeKing]

Cave paintings. It allowed humans to convey ideas for the first time over generations. Thank you Discovery Channel


personally I'll go with the printing press. Books were to expensive and rare before its conception.

 

[Howard]

How can you possibly single out one specific achievement?

How about, sentience?