Why Did Our Ancestors Fail to Invent over Millions of Years, While We Have Made Tremendous Advances in the Last 300 Years?

On the ninth of last month, according to Quora, I answered a question asking why humanity, after 200,000 years, is not more technologically advanced. The question inquired about the reasons behind what seemed to be a paradox: why, given so much time, did we progress so little – and then suddenly advance so much in the last 200 years? In this response, I will elaborate on why humanity was not technologically advanced for so long and highlight the rapid advancements in the last few centuries.

Technological Advancement: An Historical Perspective

The answer to your question lies in multiple factors, including the necessity for technological advancement, the relative ease of living during the Stone Ages, and the social and economic structures prevailing before the last 300 years.

Necessity for Technological Advancement: Throughout most of human history, people did not NEED to be technologically advanced. The transition from nomadic lifestyles to agricultural societies did not immediately necessitate the development of complex technologies such as machinery, electricity, or the internet. Post-Stone Age Ease of Living: Prior to the agricultural revolution, which occurred around 10,000 years ago, people worked only about 15 hours per week. In contrast, today's workers often toil for over 40, 50, or even 80 hours per week. This change in work patterns does not signify significant technological progress; rather, it speaks to the prioritization and necessity of work. Social and Economic Structures: Up until about 250 years ago, the world was largely agrarian, with vast swathes of people working as slaves or serfs. These lower social classes often performed labor-intensive tasks that did not require advanced technology. It wasn't until the rise of industrialization that the groundwork for today's technological advancements was laid.

The Role of the Agricultural Revolution

The Agricultural Revolution, which began around 10,000 years ago, was a pivotal moment in human history. The shift from hunting and gathering to farming led to surplus production, enabling a part of the population to engage in other activities, such as crafts, trades, and even arts. However, these developments did not immediately lead to widespread technological innovation. The focus during the subsequent millennia was more on maintaining agricultural practices, which were not technologically advanced by modern standards.

The Emergence of Modern Technology: A Brief Analysis

It took over 10,000 years from the beginning of the Agricultural Revolution for the world to see the first major inventions that precipitated the industrial revolution. This period saw the creation of the steam engine, the internal combustion engine, and the electrical generator, among others. These inventions were critical in enabling the mechanization of labor and the rapid industrialization of societies.

Interestingly, even during this period, technological advancements were driven by the need to improve the efficiency of labor. In many cases, the goal was not to create new technologies for the sake of technology, but to find ways to better utilize human and animal labor. It wasn't until the late 18th and early 19th centuries that inventors and innovators started to create machines that would reduce the need for manual labor and increase productivity.

Conclusion and Reflection

In essence, the reasons behind the lack of technological progress over millions of years are multifaceted. Human beings have historically been a relatively lazy species, and we do not tend to pursue advancements unless they are absolutely necessary for our survival or improving our lives. The transition to an industrialized society and the resultant advancements in technology can be seen as a response to the changing social and economic conditions of the time.

So, while our ancestors may have failed to invent in the millions of years before, the last 300 years have seen a whirlwind of technological innovation. This surge is a testament to the dramatic shift in our socio-economic structures and the exploitation of new resources and knowledge, which has enabled us to harness nature in ways previously unimaginable.

As we look to the future, it is crucial to understand that the pace of technological advancement is not automatic. It depends on the need, resources, and the societal structures that support and drive this progress. Thus, future generations can continue to innovate if they find new problems to solve or situations where innovation is necessary.