What do you consider the most important invention or discovery of the 20th century and why?

Answer 1

This is not only a tough question to answer, but also any answers provided would be inherently subjective (after all, they are all, in one form or another interconnected). Nonetheless, I'm going to give it a try! In my humble opinion and in the following order (and if you allow me per category - hey, cut a bonfire friend a break please lol):

Medicine / microbiology - Penicillin/antibiotics, numerous life-saving vaccines, the discovery of the DNA, etc.

Science - Quantum Physics (Notice for instance, transistors and hence Microchips could not have even been invented without Quantum Mechanical observations and reasoning. The same thing is also true for instance of other and more recent physical, mathematical, and technological advances) and Relativity (Special and General). Also the Theory of Evolution (not only for its scientific impact, but also its philosophical, theological and spiritual implications. And although it is not exactly a 20th century discovery, it's full force was primarily felt during that period.)

Technology / Engineering - The aircraft, Cars/Trucks (and extensions), Wide-application Electrical Generation and Distribution, Radio, TV, the Nuclear Bomb / Energy / Weapons (WW III turned essentially "cold" because of it), the Microchip, the exploration of space, the computer (Super and PC) and the Internet revolutions, Home appliances, cell phones, etc.

Philosophy - Existentialism, Phenomenology, etc.


And the list continues, and just as interconnected as ever.

Answer 2

Computers and The Internet have unleashed the information and communication age to an extent never before imagined possible.

It is becoming the great equalizer.
The common man now has the power to confront big business and big politics.
Entrepreneurs can create their own businesses and actually make money for their ideas like the guys who created Yahoo, Google, Youtube and Ebay.
Thanks to computers anyone can publish their ideas whether it be in print or video.
Information and entertainment at your fingertips for a reasonable price on demand!
Anyone can have their own electronic printing press with blogs and video blogs.
You can communicate with anyone in the world that has a computer or modem.
We can witness events all over the world as they occur or a few seconds after they occur.
I like hearing from people in repressed countries speaking their mind about what is going on in their countries.

Of course with every powerful invention will be people who will misuse it for selfish and evil purposes.

I hope I live to see the Internet become the Universal Wide Web and get email from my nephew on Mars.

Answer 3

It's considered a 20th century discovery.

Answer 4

So many inventions, nuclear power, the airplane, radio and television, but I would have to say the Integrated circuit (for those younger than 20 that means the micro chip). From computers, to cell phones to space technology the computer chip is ubiquitous.

Answer 5

I would think it could be the fax machine. To be able to send signed paperwork over the air and have it submissable in a court of law as the real deal ?? Write a check send it over the air and it is as good as the real thing! Computer can't do that yet can it?
Wow!

Answer 6

It is a tie between plastic straws ( anyone remember the paper ones?) and pantyhose

Answer 7

the pc, think about it... how the economy soared. the world brought to the home... how awesome is that. research anything from a dust particle to the moon and back

Answer 8

Cervical Cancer Vaccine...this is going to change the lives of millions of young girls across the world for the rest of time.

Answer 9

silicon chip/computer

It has enabled logic to be expanded, galaxies to be found, it has unleashed business from the office, and enabled the entire world to communicate virtually instantly.

Answer 10

the airplane. It made the world accessible to everyone