What’s the most impactful invention of all time? This is a question posed repeatedly by everyone from historians to journalists to conversing acquaintances, be it in magazine think pieces or casual dinner parties. The answers present an all-encompassing perspective on creations that changed the way we live, work, and sit (more on that later). Their footprints are immeasurable. 

We decided to present the query to the freshman class as they kicked off their college careers at USC Iovine and Young Academy. Do you agree with their choices? Check out some responses from the minds of Cohort 9 below. 

Naturally, a world-altering invention with origins tracing back to the mid-1880s made the cut. The advent of the computer was the most popular response among students. The Internet and its exponential spread of information also made the list despite its short history: 

“Definitely the computer. It’s the basis of practically every common convenience we have today.”-Joey Relovsky 

“Computers. They’ve completely revolutionized society, and despite being imperfect, they’ve made learning and working from home during these past few years possible.” -Mia Wang 

“I would certainly say the computer has entirely changed the world as we know it. It is my tool, it is my instrument, and there is so much you can do with it. A mobile phone is certainly the most exciting implementation of a computer as it is always available, it knows where in the world it is, how you are moving it, what you hold in front of it, and even how hard you touch it.” -Jaden Steinhoff

“The Internet has to take the cake for this question. The fact that I can get the answer to how many West Indian Whistling Ducks there are in the world instantaneously is absurd and would be told in sci-fi books 100 years ago. What is even more fascinating is how recent this invention is, and how exponentially innovation and disruption have expanded in such a small period of time.” -Zac Marcus 

Lesser-studied discoveries like oil wells and the stone ax also got shoutouts:

“Probably something very early on… like oil wells in China. That increased lifespans (think heat, cooking, etc.) and led us down a road of using fossil fuels that spurred the creation of all sorts of things. -Henry Fox 

“While most will argue the wheel or the printing press, from my background in anthropology, it is glaringly obvious that the handheld, stone ax is the most impactful invention in our history.” -Dom Jocas 

Who could forget the impact of the lightbulb? Thomas Edison is credited with this illuminating concept with his revolutionary 1880 patent, but historians also cite Humphrey Davy and Joseph Swan as earlier originators of the technology: 

“I’d say that the lightbulb is the most impactful invention in history. I can’t imagine my days without the lightbulbs that are constantly around me. Because they’re so heavily relied on, I feel like it’s at least one of the most impactful inventions in history.” -Paris Little

“The most impactful invention in history would have to be the light bulb because it revolutionized the point of wires and electricity.” -Danielle Malingue-Essomo

Some pointed to paper’s multifaceted significance and its effect on widespread communication. Others threw it back the printing press, an innovation that developed in China during the Tang dynasty, but is attributed to Johannes Gutenberg’s device from approximately 1440: 

“Paper. Without it, we wouldn't have been able to record a lot of our history, create as much art and stories as we did, or communicate with those far away.” -Faith Seo 

“I would say paper was an integral invention in our history. Without it, literacy and documentation would be a lot more difficult.” -Joanna Poon

“The printing press because it caused a boom in the spreading of knowledge and ideas in a quicker and wider fashion.” -Tara Sandman-Long

Let us not neglect the merit of a good resting spot. You’re going want to sit down for this next thought: 

“The chair. Without the comfort of the chair, a civilization’s leisure time would be severely undercut by how little rest they were getting. Behind every great invention or moment in time, a chair has been present somewhere…” -Khalil Mayden

The art of self-expression was never the same after this late ‘90s formation. (Fun fact: the most widely-used one in 2022 was 😂): 

“Emojis. because sometimes, words are not enough. ☝ .” -Elvira Lu

What’s the most impactful invention of all time? We decided to present the query to the freshman class as they kicked off their college careers at USC Iovine and Young Academy. Do you agree with their choices? Check out some responses from the minds of Cohort 9 below. 

IYA Asks: What’s the Most Impactful Invention in History?