by Rainier Wong

Created on: June 10, 2010   Last Updated: June 23, 2010

The old saying goes like this: "Necessity is the mother of invention". To me, this statement holds true in many cases. Throughout the centuries, humans have been making or attempting to create something that make life easier for themselves. Until today, they have not stopped inventing. If you check with the patents office, you will be surprised to see how many inventions have already been submitted to it. Of the many inventions, I believe the the top ten greatest inventions of all time are paper, the automobile, the airplane, the compass, the computer, the television, the electric bulb, the radio, the telephone and the mobile phone.

Paper, despite the simplicity in its design, is perhaps the greatest invention of all times. Since it was invented in ancient China, great ideas and designs for new inventions had been recorded on it. Even in our modern age of computers, we still use our printers to print out our work on pieces of paper for ourselves or others to see as it is sometimes not possible to use a laptop in certain places. Paper is also use for jotting down notes and any other important information. That was once a talk on having a paperless society but the dream had yet to be realised.

The compass is a great invention as it helps travellers to find their ways. Since it was first used by the Chinese, pilots of ships and flying vehicles from around the world rely on the invention to help them find their destination. With a working compass, it is easier for a traveller to find his or her way around and to find his or her way out if he or she suddenly gets lost.

Since the Wright brothers first flew the first airplane, thousands of people have been flying to and from airports around the world every day. The airplane which also known as an aeroplane helps reduce travelling time drastically. A place that requires months to reach by boat now takes only hours to reach by an airplane.  With the invention of the jet engine, airplanes can even fly much faster than before. Modern passenger planes are very large and comfortable indeed. Airplanes can also help to special aids to reach disaster areas faster. In Australia, some doctors fly airplanes to remote areas to bring cure to their patients.

The electric bulb was first invented by Thomas Alva Edison. For many years it had brighten the homes and offices of many modern cities and some villages around the world. With such invention, light can came at the flip of a switch. Prior to the availability of the electric

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