>"Marvin Minsky ... has even said that “the decline of American inventiveness” can be traced to the rise of Lego, arguing that ... it’s pushed out construction

>"Marvin Minsky ... has even said that “the decline of American inventiveness” can be traced to the rise of Lego, arguing that ... it’s pushed out construction toys like Tinker Toys and Erector sets..." Minsky's not the only person who has come to that conclusion. Tinkertoys were a good match for young boys' sometimes clumsy hands and, for the older more patient boy, Erector sets were a perfect way to spend a solitary rainy day. Some chemistry professors, students and engineers still work with Tinkertoy-like tools every day.