3 ms·

If human ancestors created those 3 million years ago, it doesn't look like they made much progress in tool making in 3 million years minus 10,000 years: https:/

by wankle 4y ago

If human ancestors created those 3 million years ago, it doesn't look like they made much progress in tool making in 3 million years minus 10,000 years: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/science/10000-year-old-stone-tools-unearthed-in-redmond/ https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/science/10000-year...

graphe 4y ago
Ever seen a wheel, ball, bowl or spoon? Why haven't we reinvented those instead of using those ancient useless tools?
- yorwba 4y ago
  All of those have been reinvented in the past century or so, mostly in terms of materials and manufacturing processes. Humanity went from bronze spoons to stainless steel spoons in a shorter time than from those stone tools to these stone tools.
  - graphe 4y ago
    Cast iron skillets haven't changed, wood spoons still exist, bronze and steel utensils differences are not innovative or better, they're just cheaper to manufacture. You're right about the wheel though, I saw a facinating video on the properties of the new martian rover's wheels.
    - pixl97 4y ago
      Not innovative or better? I don't guess you get in the kitchen often or spend much time trying to take care of your cast iron.
BuyMyBitcoins 4y ago
During my time in college I managed to sit in on a group of archaeology students making Oldowan stone tools in the university quadrangle. I had no idea how much knowledge and skill it takes to make these seemingly simple tools. It is not just banging rocks together, it requires finesse. I felt a sense of awe when I realized just how much trial and error must have went into learning how to make such tools. With how many cuts and bruises we inflicted on ourselves, I came to view the technology as something invaluable and precious. We had the benefit of washing our hands, who knows just how many of our pioneering ancestors had gotten an infection and died while trying to make a better cutting tool - or lost an eye from a rock chip? And these folks may well have been “the crazy ones” or the more intelligent members of the tribe. I could easily see how countless generations would wind up making the same tools with the same process. If you asked me how to make more ‘advanced’ hand axes I’d struggle to come up with something better.

by wankle 4y ago

graphe 4y ago

Ever seen a wheel, ball, bowl or spoon? Why haven't we reinvented those instead of using those ancient useless tools?

yorwba 4y ago
All of those have been reinvented in the past century or so, mostly in terms of materials and manufacturing processes. Humanity went from bronze spoons to stainless steel spoons in a shorter time than from those stone tools to these stone tools.
- graphe 4y ago
  Cast iron skillets haven't changed, wood spoons still exist, bronze and steel utensils differences are not innovative or better, they're just cheaper to manufacture. You're right about the wheel though, I saw a facinating video on the properties of the new martian rover's wheels.
  - pixl97 4y ago
    Not innovative or better? I don't guess you get in the kitchen often or spend much time trying to take care of your cast iron.

BuyMyBitcoins 4y ago

During my time in college I managed to sit in on a group of archaeology students making Oldowan stone tools in the university quadrangle. I had no idea how much knowledge and skill it takes to make these seemingly simple tools. It is not just banging rocks together, it requires finesse. I felt a sense of awe when I realized just how much trial and error must have went into learning how to make such tools. With how many cuts and bruises we inflicted on ourselves, I came to view the technology as something invaluable and precious. We had the benefit of washing our hands, who knows just how many of our pioneering ancestors had gotten an infection and died while trying to make a better cutting tool - or lost an eye from a rock chip? And these folks may well have been “the crazy ones” or the more intelligent members of the tribe. I could easily see how countless generations would wind up making the same tools with the same process. If you asked me how to make more ‘advanced’ hand axes I’d struggle to come up with something better.