Stone Tools & Software

Benjamin Wallo
2 min readMar 20, 2023

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Ever wondered how a flint could possibly have anything in common with your sleek laptop? It may seem like a preposterous comparison, but prehistoric stone tools share some striking parallels with the modern marvel that is computer software. In this light-hearted exploration, we’ll chip away at the connections between these two seemingly unrelated inventions, exploring how both have shaped human culture and promoted progress in remarkable ways.

The Flintstones Meet the Silicon Valley

In the prehistoric world, when mammoths and sabretooth tigers roamed the earth, stone tools were the ultimate game-changers. These primitive implements allowed early humans to hunt, process food, and make clothing — vital tasks for survival and prosperity. It’s not too hard to imagine our ancient ancestors proudly displaying their latest hand-axe, chiseled to perfection, much like we show off our newly acquired and coveted gadgets today.

Fast-forward to the 21st century, and computer software has become the lifeblood of modern society. From the operating systems powering our devices to the apps that streamline our daily lives, software has infiltrated every aspect of our existence. Just as stone tools were indispensable for early humans, computer software has become essential for us to create, process, and share information in the digital age.

Chiseling Away at the Connection

Humor me for a moment as we examine the uncanny parallels between stone tools and computer software. Both innovations have had a profound impact on human culture, shaping the way we live, work, and interact.

The humble stone tool empowered early humans to manipulate their environment, providing them with a means to secure food, create shelter, and craft clothing. Similarly, computer software has revolutionized our ability to manipulate data, allowing us to process vast quantities of information and create virtual worlds in the blink of an eye.

Moreover, both stone tools and computer software have spurred the development of specialized skills and professions. In prehistoric times, skilled flint-knappers were revered for their ability to craft tools with precision and finesse. Today, software developers and engineers enjoy a similar prestige, as they forge digital solutions that shape our modern world.

Finally, the continuous refinement of stone tools and computer software reflects our relentless pursuit of innovation and improvement. Just as early humans developed more efficient stone tools, software developers constantly update and optimize their creations, pushing the boundaries of technology and human ingenuity.

Despite the vast chasm that separates them in time and complexity, prehistoric stone tools and modern computer software share a deep-rooted connection that has shaped human culture and progress. As we chuckle at the absurdity of comparing a primitive hand-axe to a sophisticated software program, we are reminded of the enduring power of human creativity and the remarkable capacity of our species to adapt and evolve.

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Benjamin Wallo
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Community @ SusaVentures 🦍 (seed VC in Robinhood, Flexport, Stord, Mux, Viz.ai + more). Uni St Andrews Ancient Hist MA