'So much in this world could be driven by a 3.5mm audio jack': 25+ of the the most underrated inventions we couldn't live without

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Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Mar 4, 2024 6:00 PM EST

It's all too easy to talk smack about the human race, but if we put aside the countless atrocities we are responsible for some pretty cool things. We've come up with some amazing inventions during our limited time on Earth, many of which we take for granted in our everyday lives. To state the obvious, it's crazy the amount of work that has gone in to make you able to read this on your screen right now. That's no mean feat.

Ingenuity can be found everywhere if we care to look, as one insightful Twitter thread has recently pointed out. Asking about examples of technology that both work well and aren't overhyped, many people had some thoughtful answers. If anything, it goes to show that the flawed world we live in today can be kind of miraculous. Despite everything, these examples make us quite lucky to live in this point in history.

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  • 01
    Dan Siroker ♥ @dsiroker Follow What are the best examples of boring technology that work exceptionally well and aren't overhyped?
    via dsiroker
  • 02
    VCS Congratulating Themselve... @VCBrags Replying to @dsiroker Wheel
    via VCBrags
  • 03
    Dreamspace2 @dreamspace2 4d : Replying to @dsiroker The elevator and air conditioning. ● Without these 2 advances modern life would not be possible in a big portion of global cities.
    via dreamspace2
  • 04
    David Shipley @ShipleyWrites •4d Replying to @dsiroker Payment systems - only having to carry a card, phone or watch and being able to conduct a verified transaction in seconds across the globe, is peer mind blowing when you pause to consider it.
    via ShipleyWrites
  • 05
    Ded @dened21. 4d Replying to @dsiroker The sewage system
    via dened21
  • 06
    Andrew Ruiz @then_there was 4d Replying to @dsiroker Probably the nail. 0.45 0.40 0.35 0.30 0.25 0.20 0.15 0.10 0.05 0.00 1810 Figure 1 Nails as a Share of Nominal GDP (percent) 1841 1872 1900 1931 1961 1992 Note: The figure plots domestic absorption (production plus imports minus exports) as a share of nominal GDP. Data include nails, spikes, tacks, and staples. Data points are shown as dots connected by line segments. For underlying details of data and method, see the Appendix.
    via then_there_was
  • 07
    B> Chris Hayes @chrislhayes 3d Replying to @dsiroker old fashioned on-off light switches.
    via chrislhayes
  • 08
    Possum Reviews @ReviewsPossum Replying to @dsiroker Springs. Follow
    via ReviewsPossum
  • 09
    Morgante @morgantepell. 4d Replying to @dsiroker Compilers
    via morgantepell
  • 10
    Marc @MarcTech 1996. 3d Replying to @dsiroker Washing machines. It's crazy how cheap a good one can be these days.
    via MarcTech1996
  • 11
    Matt Holden @holdenmatt. 4d Replying to @dsiroker Refrigerators, flush toilets, power lines My grandmother had none of them growing up in rural North Dakota. We take them for granted now, but few things improved the quality of modern life more
    via holdenmatt
  • 12
    fr3tus-e/acc @Icalbert101 Follow Replying to @dsiroker Transistor. It's just a little on/off switch after all
    via Icalbert101
  • 13
    Alex Leeds @xanleeds. 4d Replying to @dsiroker watch batteries forks most ceramics (plates) pens/pencils paper tape but note all of Amazon's innovation here toilet paper / paper towels -
    via xanleeds
  • 14
    Deshpande @Deshpande__ 2d Replying to @dsiroker Eye glasses E TOZ 3 LPED = 4 PECFD = 5 EDFC Z P = 6 Surprising New Method Restores Eye Vision (Watch Now!)
    via Deshpande__
  • 15
    William Recktenw... @wjrecktenwald Follow Replying to @dsiroker Shoelaces. There are compelling alternatives, but the tie-it-yourself versions offer substantial adjustability and function.
    via wjrecktenwald
  • 16
    ax krieger gdc SOON @MaxKriegerVG Follow so much shit in this world could still be driven by 3.5mm audio jack
    via MaxKriegerVG
  • 17
    Warih Aji Pamungkas @WAPamungkas The existence of this thing is a true sign of a civilized society. HARGASSUT L Follow 13
    via WAPamungkas
  • 18
    Mr. Thing (illusion p... @beyonceseyelid Quite literally revolutionary and we should be grateful. SPOONFUL. Sugar Follow SINGER
    via beyonceseyelid
  • 19
    Cassandra O'Leary @cass_oleary • 2d Ballpoint pens. Absolutely brilliant design. Imagine having to use inkwells.
    via cass_oleary
  • 20
    sophie @netcapgirl. 4d it's not boring but GPS doesn't get nearly enough hype for what an insane miracle it is
    via netcapgirl
  • 21
    ShitpostGatew... @ShitpostGate Subscribe
    via ShitpostGate
  • 22
    jack @enjoyeroftrains. 2d electric trains Caltrain 308
    via enjoyeroftrains
  • 23
    Cody @AltHistCody • 3d Created the Western World
    via AltHistCody
  • 24
    @Lak5h Refrigeration removed one of the fundamental barriers our species has faced since the very beginning of our existence ~~~ 3d .
    via Lak5h
  • 25
    T@rising_tau • 3d The network of underwater cables across the oceans that make the internet as we know it today work acc
    via rising_tau

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