I’m now ripping off Ron and Fez bits wholesale. In a gripping discussion today, the radio show debated the following question that’s 100 percent relevant to our interests here at CrunchGear: what invention has changed the most since its inception?
The question is not “which invention has changed mankind the most,” but what invention today looks or works totally different than Version One did.
The airplane. Version one was basically a glorified kite, yet today we’ve got double decker aircraft that can cross the oceans on a single tank of gas, albeit a big one.
The tank. The design is basically the same—a mobile, armored personnel thing—but compare that to today’s mad fast vehicle with laser sights.
The computer. Back in the day, computers filled entire rooms. Today, you’ve got people typing their fingers off on a netbook. (The computer is even smaller if you consider mobile phones to be computers.)
The pen. You had to kill a bird, then constantly refill the quill with ink. Today, you can go to the store and buy a perfectly acceptable six-inch piece of plastic from Bic that’ll last for weeks on end.
Disrupt 2026: The tech ecosystem, all in one room
Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register now to save up to $400.
Save up to $300 or 30% to TechCrunch Founder Summit
1,000+ founders and investors come together at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 for a full day focused on growth, execution, and real-world scaling. Learn from founders and investors who have shaped the industry. Connect with peers navigating similar growth stages. Walk away with tactics you can apply immediately
Offer ends March 13.
Your thoughts? (Be sure to check the gallery, too. It took a hot five minutes to put together.)
[PSGallery=akdg760mk7]
