Track 54

Track 54.

I’d like to tell you what I know about one of the most significant inventions in human history: the wheel.

Why is it so significant?

Well, let me begin by saying, first of all, it basically enabled us to develop whole civilizations, um, as we could for the first time start transporting goods from place to place, and this mobility really made trade grow at an incredible speed.

I remember being taught about this at school.

Our teacher told us not to see the wheel itself as the crucial invention, because it was actually the moment someone managed to attach a non-moving platform to two wheels that was critical.

But I can’t help thinking that you don’t have to agree with everything you are told at school, and I would politely refuse to agree with him, if I was told this today.

You see, without a wheel, a platform is just a bit of wood, essentially.

Anyway, wheels in everyday use.

Well, can you imagine living without them?

It’s practically impossible.

You wouldn’t be able to drive anywhere, for one thing.

What’s more, wheels allow us to have a public transport system, and if wheels didn’t exist, aeroplanes wouldn’t be able to take off and land, and no one would be able to go on holiday.

How exactly a wheel works, I won’t even attempt to explain, other than the fact they go round.

It’s something to do with force.

I’ve never been any good at physics, but maybe I should remember to look it up on the internet when I get home.

But, overall, there’s no question about how important the wheel is, and it will continue to be an integral part of our lives forever.