Far be it from me to question this selection of the world's greatest tool:
When Forbes.com compiled its list of the 20 most important tools of all time, we asked a panel of scientists, historians and engineers to look at the devices that have most impacted human civilization and shaped the course of history. The final list highlighted tools that have been around for ages: the knife, the abacus, the compass. But critics soon started raising objections. What about duct tape, the sticky silver stuff that can do just about anything?
But my vote goes to: the Post-It note. It was one of those things that you couldn't imagine doing without three days after you started using it. Leave a note for anybody, anyplace, and it won't get lost. Leave a note to yourself in a book your reading without defacing it. I had a friend who was so hung up on his wife (and, well, needy and lacking in confidence) that he left Post-it notes stuck all over the house (including the bathroom mirror) telling her how much he loved her. Guess which one filed for the divorce? Now, if he'd used duct tape instead of Post-Its, those embarrassing reminders of his humiliation would STILL be there.
