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11 Inventions We’d Rather Not Live Without

Posted by Robert Klimowicz on Aug 05, 2009 | 1 Comment | 179 views

Throughout human history, there have been countless inventions that have changed the way we live and think about the world. The wheel, the formation of steel, the automobile and the television are examples of these life changing inventions. Today, technology is progressing so fast that something new today will be obsolete tomorrow. Here are the top 10 inventions that we can (and have done so in the past) live without, but we would rather not because we love these things.

11.) Footwear

Here’s a special bonus for all of you. Footwear didn’t make the top 10 but they are still pretty important. Primitive villages around the world still live without footwear, but would you? Imagine walking around New York with no shoes on. Yeah, no thanks.

10.) Global Positioning System (GPS)

With a GPS, you can just walk out of the house without needing any addresses or names- it does it all for you. Yes, Mapquest and Google Maps count too (for those without a GPS in their vehicles, like me). You can just go and grab an atlas or a map and try to read the tiny lettering and road signs, but do you really want to deal with that? With the invention of GPS, it’s a wonder if anyone can read an actual map anymore.

9.) Can Opener

The can opener is an ingenious invention. In the early 1800s, cans were made of a thicker metal than they are today. You needed a knife, chisel, a heavy stone, or even your head to open those things. With the can opener, just a simple turn of the rotary will get that can open. Now there are electric and automated openers. No need to wait for your Chef Boyardee anymore.

8.) Umbrella

Without the umbrella, we would be devoid of the hit song by Rihanna - we would also be out in the rain getting soaked. While you can use something else to help keep you dry (perhaps a textbook?), nothing quite works as an umbrella. Whenever it’s raining and you don’t have one, you silently (or loudly) curse yourself for not having one.

7.) Toothbrush

The toothbrush is one of the most under appreciated inventions in all of history. It is part of our morning routine, and yet we hardly pay it attention, just when we need to replace it. We can technically live without it, as many generations just skipped tooth brushing. To put it in perspective, imagine not brushing your teeth after you just ate some garlic bread or tuna fish. Understand why we would rather live with it?

6.) Washer and Dryer

For many people, the washer and dryer has always been invented and it is where you put your clothes.
Previous generations haven’t been so lucky. They had to hand wash each article of clothing and then dry them out on a rope (which is common today still). Who wants to hand wash clothes on those tin washboards? Just put them in and just wait for the magic.

5.) Air Conditioners

If you live in near the equator like me (Florida), then you are grateful for air conditioning. There are many people, villages, and cultures that do not use AC, and seem to do quite fine without it. But, I don’t think I’ll be turning off the air conditioner in the middle of summer anytime soon.

4.) Microwave Oven

So you just had dinner, and there are leftovers. You put the leftovers in the refrigerator. The next day you are hungry and decide to have those leftovers. What do you put them in to heat them up? The microwave of course! Cultures have previously used cauldrons, fires, steam, and other things to heat food up, but those things couldn’t heat up a Healthy Choice TV dinner could they?

3.) Cell Phone

The cell phone is becoming ubiquitous in many places around the world. It is so convenient and useful to have with you to keep in touch with friends far away, or to call for help in places where there might not be telephone landlines. Sure, we could live with just a landline, but with the cell phone, we can call our loved phones and text people (because we are too lazy to call them) from anywhere in the world (almost).

2.) Computers and High Speed Internet

This entry could not have existed without computers or the internet. The internet is much like the cell phone, connecting people and enabling them to communicate. Computers help store information and provide us entertainment in one place (no need for a tv, music player, since the computer does all their functions). However, high speed internet is what we really can’t live without. I remember when the internet started catching on with households, and you had to hear that dial-up signal. My parents still use dial-up in fact, but by the time they connect, I could have been to 10 different websites. I’d rather not live with dial-up or without my laptop.