The Greatest Inventor Ever

This week many people are gearing up for the Valentine's Day holiday to celebrate those they love. Some are buying presents, others are stocking up on favorite comfort foods to celebrate the holiday in their PJs with their favorite shows or movies. I fit into both categories. This weekend I don't have anyplace I need to be so I will be giving and receiving small tokens of affection from my family while eating (hopefully some chocolate) while watching TV or reading in my flannel pajamas.

But if you're a ten year old, aside from the idea of maybe getting some candy and a small gift from your parents, thoughts of love and Valentine's Day are not at the forefront of your mind. Instead, important questions crowd your thoughts. Questions that you ask your mom shortly after waking up to get ready for school. Things like, who is the greatest inventor of all time?

Now if my son had asked me this question in the afternoon when I picked him up from school, or later while I was cooking supper, or even while I was trying to get him ready to go to bed, I might not have given it much thought. But he picked the right time of day to ask it. First thing in the morning. Not that mornings aren't busy, they are. But the fact that he wasn't growling at me like a bear because I was making him get up to go to school was a novelty. I was happy that he was happy and awake enough to ask me a question.

I took the time to answer it the best way I could. "I don't know," I said. "I think that is a matter of perspective. For instance, the greatest inventor of all time for you would be the person who designed the first home gaming console, or the person who thought of the device that would become the precursor for the tablet."

My son considered this for a few moments. So I continued, "For me the greatest inventor would be Thomas Edison because he helped develop the first moving pictures. Or even better the first person to invent the printing press or movable type, because that's what helped us create books."

Fun Fact: While Johannes Gutenberg is the one many give credit to inventing the printing press, the first movable type to be developed is now believed to be credited to a Chinese peasant named Bi Sheng in 1041. http://www.livescience.com/43639-who-invented-the-printing-press.html

I continued to list other inventions that some people might think the greatest ever, like musical theatre (for his sister) or home computers, cell phones, indoor plumbing, antibiotics, etc. It is an endless list and it all depends on what you appreciate most. My son corrected me at the end of our discussion.

"You were wrong Mom," he told me. "I don't think the person who helped develop video games or tablets was the greatest inventor ever."

"You don't," I said.

"Nope, the greatest inventor for me is the person who invented Legos."

I laughed. "You're right, for you that would be the best inventor ever."

Who are some of the greatest inventors of all time for you? Maybe this Valentine's Day offer them up a tiny thanks as you celebrate love this year. =)