We often take the simple things in life for granted.

We often take the simple things in life for granted, such as being warm and comfortable. Only recently in our modern era has humanity become complacent about these simple yet essential things. However, with talk of global warming and the inevitable onslaught of climate change there has been an awakening in the developed world and the words ‘sustainable living’ are being whispered throughout capitalist societies.

To me this means breaking down our mountains of possessions and indeed our lifestyles into ‘essential’ and ‘non-essential’, in addition to refining industrial processes and converting to renewable energy sources. This has brought me to the conclusion that one of mankind’s simplest inventions is the greatest and most indispensable. It is the first thing I use in the morning and the last I use at night. Capable of lasting for twenty-five years or more, it is something we will all end up using for at least a third of our lives. Patented in 1865, it is the coil spring mattress. So what makes a mattress better than all the other patented inventions? Take the microprocessor chip, great when ordering your new gadget off ebay, but what about when it’s guiding a ballistic missile to its destination!

But seriously, a lot of our modern technology seems to have a very sinister side as well as bringing us obvious benefits. This is why I have nominated an invention that gives us pleasure without unpleasant consequences ‘the mattress’

Submitted by: Alex Lea