August is #InventorsMonth

There is a myriad of amazing inventions that have shaped the world we know today, from the obviously huge game-changers, like the wheel and electricity; to subtler, but nevertheless, vital inventions like the electric traffic light and the steam iron.

A quick search on the invention that suddenly transformed communications, business, learning, and knowledge-sharing – the internet – throws up and an endless array of lists complied of the greatest inventions throughout history. There are some that many lists agree on, but it can be a subjective topic in terms of what’s the most important invention to each of us as individuals.

What everyone can agree on is that the inventors that worked tirelessly on their ideas for great change – sometimes devoting their entire lifetime to something that no-one else could see the potential of – should be celebrated and remembered for their dedication.

This is exactly why August is #InventorsMonth! It reminds me of that famous saying from Henry Ford: “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”

Sometimes us mere mortals just don’t know what we want or need until a visionary inventor shows us a better way. Sometimes inventions happen quite by accident.

Inventions, great and small, are happening around us all the time. So, this is the perfect opportunity to share our favourite inventions and/or inventors of all time and celebrate their achievements that helped to shape our modern world.

I’ll kick things off with my favourite modern invention, which you might think is quite ridiculous, but it’s the one thing that I enjoy every single day without fail! That is the barista-style home coffee machine.

If you pressed me for a more serious, world-changing invention, I would have to cite the computer. Without any shadow of a doubt, computers are one of humanity’s greatest inventions. The history and speed of development are astounding and continues with ever-increasing pace, which excites me but also worries me I must admit. But, of course, today’s computers wouldn’t be possible without electricity – and so the debate goes on!

Now, over to you – who is your favourite inventor or what invention is most important to you? Share your thoughts in the comments section below and celebrate with us during #InventorsMonth.

If you’ve invented something – great or small – please share and help inspire your fellow community members along the way. Just like Jesse Lozano with pi-top and Richard Browning with his jet-suit have in the past.