Devin Jacobs
History is filled with individuals who dared to dream and took humanity to unprecedented heights. These trailblazers achieved milestones that changed the course of history, shaping the world as we know it. So, let’s swipe to celebrate ten remarkable pioneers and their game-changing “firsts” that continue to inspire us.
The Wright Brothers’ First Powered Flight
What seemed like a wild dream in the early 1900s turned into reality when a wooden aircraft rose from the sands of Kitty Hawk. On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first powered flight, covering 120 feet in 12 seconds. This achievement lifted humanity’s hopes for global connectivity.
Johannes Gutenberg’s First Movable-Type Printing Press
In the 15th century, Johannes Gutenberg introduced the movable-type printing press. His invention made books affordable and accessible, including the “Gutenberg Bible,” the first mass-produced book. By making texts accessible, he empowered generations to learn, think, and innovate.
Neil Armstrong’s First Steps on the Moon
When Neil stepped onto the Moon on July 20, 1969, he didn’t just make history—he inspired humanity. As part of NASA’s Apollo 11 mission, his statement, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” signified a triumph of technology and the human spirit.
Edward Jenner’s First Smallpox Vaccine Breakthrough
Before modern medicine, smallpox was a deadly disease. In 1796, Edward Jenner took a bold step by using material from cowpox sores to inoculate a young boy. The boy became immune to smallpox, which proved Jenner’s theory correct. Jenner’s work has since saved countless lives, completely eradicating smallpox.
Joseph Nicéphore Niépce’s First Permanent Photograph
What if you could freeze a moment forever? That’s exactly what Joseph Nicéphore Niépce achieved in 1826 with the first photograph, titled “View from the Window at Le Gras.” Using a camera obscura, Niépce created an image that took eight hours to develop.
Ray Tomlinson’s First Email and the Birth of ARPANET
Back in 1971, when computers were the size of refrigerators, Ray Tomlinson created ARPANET, the precursor to the internet. He sent the first-ever email—likely a string of random letters. While it wasn’t poetic, it was revolutionary. Tomlinson also introduced the “@” symbol.
Alfred Nobel’s First Nobel Prizes for Peace and Science
Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, wanted to leave a legacy that celebrated peace and progress instead of destruction. In 1901, the first Nobel Prizes were awarded in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace. This global recognition of brilliance continues to inspire scientists to push boundaries.
Charlotte Cooper’s First Olympic Gold Medal for Women
At the 1900 Paris Olympics, Charlotte Cooper became the first woman to win a gold medal. Her victory in tennis represented more than just athletic excellence—it was a step toward equality in sports. Furthermore, it paved the way for women to participate and excel on the world stage.
Tim Berners-Lee’s First Website and the Internet’s Birth
The invention of the internet would have remained niche without the work of Tim Berners-Lee, who launched the first website in 1990. This humble page explains the concept of the World Wide Web and how to use it. What started as a tool for researchers became the backbone of modern life.
Alexander Fleming’s First Discovery of Penicillin
In 1928, a forgotten petri dish became the site of a miraculous discovery. Alexander Fleming noticed that a mysterious mold was eliminating bacteria. That mold turned out to be penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic. Hence, Fleming’s “happy accident” saved millions of lives and revolutionized the fight against infections.