What's so great about opposable thumbs anyway?
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I'm half asleep this morning, making coffee and for some reason the purported "fact" of how great opposable thumbs are popped into my head. You've heard it before, "opposable thumbs...toolmaking...intelligence blah blah blah". Some scientist or pundit of some kind makes a comment about how great opposable thumbs are and how they account for all sorts of supposed advancements for those that have them. So anyway, I'm making coffee and I think to myself "yeah! What *is* the deal with opposable thumbs anyway" so I make coffee without using my thumbs, piece of cake! Even though it's a laborious complex operation involving a grinder, an espresso machine, microwaving piping hot cups of hot milk etc etc. Nope, no need for them yet... Then I think "Oh yeah because you need thumbs to use tools" that's what they're always saying...but then again, you don't really. In fact all you really need is at least one, prefereably two fingers that can curl back against your palm. And in fact if by some weird twist of fate every human suddenly lost both their thumbs all at the same time would civilization come to a stand still? would we all start walking around on all fours grunting and scratching our asses? No, of course not! We'd re-arrange our environment to suit and get on with it all -- easy peasy! I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to tempt fate here or anything, I like my thumbs just fine :), but they aren't as significant as they are purported to be.
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I'm half asleep this morning, making coffee and for some reason the purported "fact" of how great opposable thumbs are popped into my head. You've heard it before, "opposable thumbs...toolmaking...intelligence blah blah blah". Some scientist or pundit of some kind makes a comment about how great opposable thumbs are and how they account for all sorts of supposed advancements for those that have them. So anyway, I'm making coffee and I think to myself "yeah! What *is* the deal with opposable thumbs anyway" so I make coffee without using my thumbs, piece of cake! Even though it's a laborious complex operation involving a grinder, an espresso machine, microwaving piping hot cups of hot milk etc etc. Nope, no need for them yet... Then I think "Oh yeah because you need thumbs to use tools" that's what they're always saying...but then again, you don't really. In fact all you really need is at least one, prefereably two fingers that can curl back against your palm. And in fact if by some weird twist of fate every human suddenly lost both their thumbs all at the same time would civilization come to a stand still? would we all start walking around on all fours grunting and scratching our asses? No, of course not! We'd re-arrange our environment to suit and get on with it all -- easy peasy! I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to tempt fate here or anything, I like my thumbs just fine :), but they aren't as significant as they are purported to be.
have any buttons? :)
Chris Meech I am Canadian. [heard in a local bar] I agree with you that my argument is useless. [Red Stateler] Hey, I am part of a special bread, we are called smart people [Captain See Sharp] The zen of the soapbox is hard to attain...[Jörgen Sigvardsson] I wish I could remember what it was like to only have a short term memory.[David Kentley]
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I'm half asleep this morning, making coffee and for some reason the purported "fact" of how great opposable thumbs are popped into my head. You've heard it before, "opposable thumbs...toolmaking...intelligence blah blah blah". Some scientist or pundit of some kind makes a comment about how great opposable thumbs are and how they account for all sorts of supposed advancements for those that have them. So anyway, I'm making coffee and I think to myself "yeah! What *is* the deal with opposable thumbs anyway" so I make coffee without using my thumbs, piece of cake! Even though it's a laborious complex operation involving a grinder, an espresso machine, microwaving piping hot cups of hot milk etc etc. Nope, no need for them yet... Then I think "Oh yeah because you need thumbs to use tools" that's what they're always saying...but then again, you don't really. In fact all you really need is at least one, prefereably two fingers that can curl back against your palm. And in fact if by some weird twist of fate every human suddenly lost both their thumbs all at the same time would civilization come to a stand still? would we all start walking around on all fours grunting and scratching our asses? No, of course not! We'd re-arrange our environment to suit and get on with it all -- easy peasy! I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to tempt fate here or anything, I like my thumbs just fine :), but they aren't as significant as they are purported to be.
Withoutthumbs,allmysentenceswouldlooklikethis.
Jon Sagara When I grow up, I'm changing my name to Joe Kickass! My Blog | My Site | My Articles
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have any buttons? :)
Chris Meech I am Canadian. [heard in a local bar] I agree with you that my argument is useless. [Red Stateler] Hey, I am part of a special bread, we are called smart people [Captain See Sharp] The zen of the soapbox is hard to attain...[Jörgen Sigvardsson] I wish I could remember what it was like to only have a short term memory.[David Kentley]
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Withoutthumbs,allmysentenceswouldlooklikethis.
Jon Sagara When I grow up, I'm changing my name to Joe Kickass! My Blog | My Site | My Articles
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I'm half asleep this morning, making coffee and for some reason the purported "fact" of how great opposable thumbs are popped into my head. You've heard it before, "opposable thumbs...toolmaking...intelligence blah blah blah". Some scientist or pundit of some kind makes a comment about how great opposable thumbs are and how they account for all sorts of supposed advancements for those that have them. So anyway, I'm making coffee and I think to myself "yeah! What *is* the deal with opposable thumbs anyway" so I make coffee without using my thumbs, piece of cake! Even though it's a laborious complex operation involving a grinder, an espresso machine, microwaving piping hot cups of hot milk etc etc. Nope, no need for them yet... Then I think "Oh yeah because you need thumbs to use tools" that's what they're always saying...but then again, you don't really. In fact all you really need is at least one, prefereably two fingers that can curl back against your palm. And in fact if by some weird twist of fate every human suddenly lost both their thumbs all at the same time would civilization come to a stand still? would we all start walking around on all fours grunting and scratching our asses? No, of course not! We'd re-arrange our environment to suit and get on with it all -- easy peasy! I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to tempt fate here or anything, I like my thumbs just fine :), but they aren't as significant as they are purported to be.
Lots of people would be forever stuck at the side of the road. Marc
People are just notoriously impossible. --DavidCrow
There's NO excuse for not commenting your code. -- John Simmons / outlaw programmer
People who say that they will refactor their code later to make it "good" don't understand refactoring, nor the art and craft of programming. -- Josh Smith -
I'm half asleep this morning, making coffee and for some reason the purported "fact" of how great opposable thumbs are popped into my head. You've heard it before, "opposable thumbs...toolmaking...intelligence blah blah blah". Some scientist or pundit of some kind makes a comment about how great opposable thumbs are and how they account for all sorts of supposed advancements for those that have them. So anyway, I'm making coffee and I think to myself "yeah! What *is* the deal with opposable thumbs anyway" so I make coffee without using my thumbs, piece of cake! Even though it's a laborious complex operation involving a grinder, an espresso machine, microwaving piping hot cups of hot milk etc etc. Nope, no need for them yet... Then I think "Oh yeah because you need thumbs to use tools" that's what they're always saying...but then again, you don't really. In fact all you really need is at least one, prefereably two fingers that can curl back against your palm. And in fact if by some weird twist of fate every human suddenly lost both their thumbs all at the same time would civilization come to a stand still? would we all start walking around on all fours grunting and scratching our asses? No, of course not! We'd re-arrange our environment to suit and get on with it all -- easy peasy! I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to tempt fate here or anything, I like my thumbs just fine :), but they aren't as significant as they are purported to be.
common tasks would be more difficult [^] and it isn't having two thumbs but an appendage (thumb) on the hand that can touch the other appendages (fingers)...this allows you to grip...try writing without using the thumb to hold the pen or pencil....yes, I know you could finger paint :doh: Steve
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common tasks would be more difficult [^] and it isn't having two thumbs but an appendage (thumb) on the hand that can touch the other appendages (fingers)...this allows you to grip...try writing without using the thumb to hold the pen or pencil....yes, I know you could finger paint :doh: Steve
I have seen people without thumbs & hands write with their feet!:omg:
Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity
No one can understand the truth until he drinks of coffee's frothy goodness. ~Sheik Abd-al-Kadir
I can't always be wrong ... or can I? -
common tasks would be more difficult [^] and it isn't having two thumbs but an appendage (thumb) on the hand that can touch the other appendages (fingers)...this allows you to grip...try writing without using the thumb to hold the pen or pencil....yes, I know you could finger paint :doh: Steve
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I gurantee you I could do all the things on that list easily without using my thumbs and I just tried writing without thumbs and it's super easy so I'm not convinced.
But we with opposable thumbs would whup yer butt at hunting and gathering (including chicks). Thumbs may not be essential, but they're a distinct advantage in the absence of fangs and claws.
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But we with opposable thumbs would whup yer butt at hunting and gathering (including chicks). Thumbs may not be essential, but they're a distinct advantage in the absence of fangs and claws.
Well considering I've yet to find any day to day practical application for thumbs aside from convenience and not necessity I'd have to say I disagree. Maybe it's just me, maybe I have freakishly dextrous fingers, the only thing I can't seem to do is snap two fingers like I can with my thumb and any other finger.
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Lots of people would be forever stuck at the side of the road. Marc
People are just notoriously impossible. --DavidCrow
There's NO excuse for not commenting your code. -- John Simmons / outlaw programmer
People who say that they will refactor their code later to make it "good" don't understand refactoring, nor the art and craft of programming. -- Josh SmithNope. They would use a different finger and might get run over! :laugh:
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I'm half asleep this morning, making coffee and for some reason the purported "fact" of how great opposable thumbs are popped into my head. You've heard it before, "opposable thumbs...toolmaking...intelligence blah blah blah". Some scientist or pundit of some kind makes a comment about how great opposable thumbs are and how they account for all sorts of supposed advancements for those that have them. So anyway, I'm making coffee and I think to myself "yeah! What *is* the deal with opposable thumbs anyway" so I make coffee without using my thumbs, piece of cake! Even though it's a laborious complex operation involving a grinder, an espresso machine, microwaving piping hot cups of hot milk etc etc. Nope, no need for them yet... Then I think "Oh yeah because you need thumbs to use tools" that's what they're always saying...but then again, you don't really. In fact all you really need is at least one, prefereably two fingers that can curl back against your palm. And in fact if by some weird twist of fate every human suddenly lost both their thumbs all at the same time would civilization come to a stand still? would we all start walking around on all fours grunting and scratching our asses? No, of course not! We'd re-arrange our environment to suit and get on with it all -- easy peasy! I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to tempt fate here or anything, I like my thumbs just fine :), but they aren't as significant as they are purported to be.
Yes, but try building the espresso machine, the microwave and even the cups without thumbs and you'll find the problem
cheers, Chris Maunder
CodeProject.com : C++ MVP
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Yes, but try building the espresso machine, the microwave and even the cups without thumbs and you'll find the problem
cheers, Chris Maunder
CodeProject.com : C++ MVP
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I'm half asleep this morning, making coffee and for some reason the purported "fact" of how great opposable thumbs are popped into my head. You've heard it before, "opposable thumbs...toolmaking...intelligence blah blah blah". Some scientist or pundit of some kind makes a comment about how great opposable thumbs are and how they account for all sorts of supposed advancements for those that have them. So anyway, I'm making coffee and I think to myself "yeah! What *is* the deal with opposable thumbs anyway" so I make coffee without using my thumbs, piece of cake! Even though it's a laborious complex operation involving a grinder, an espresso machine, microwaving piping hot cups of hot milk etc etc. Nope, no need for them yet... Then I think "Oh yeah because you need thumbs to use tools" that's what they're always saying...but then again, you don't really. In fact all you really need is at least one, prefereably two fingers that can curl back against your palm. And in fact if by some weird twist of fate every human suddenly lost both their thumbs all at the same time would civilization come to a stand still? would we all start walking around on all fours grunting and scratching our asses? No, of course not! We'd re-arrange our environment to suit and get on with it all -- easy peasy! I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to tempt fate here or anything, I like my thumbs just fine :), but they aren't as significant as they are purported to be.
if you try hammering a nail, you will realize you are able to apply lesser force without the thumb in proper position. the grip is not good enough. if you and I have a sword fight, and you don't have the opposable thumb, you will lose. you could argue that you would use a dagger, which might not need the thumb, but your chances of survival goes down. also using a gun will be so much tougher without the thumb. (the recoil without the curl, will be difficult to handle). so, a person of equal intelligence, but who uses a hammer, a crowbar, a sword and a pistol better then you do, is going to out-breed you, if nothing else. :laugh:
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I'm half asleep this morning, making coffee and for some reason the purported "fact" of how great opposable thumbs are popped into my head. You've heard it before, "opposable thumbs...toolmaking...intelligence blah blah blah". Some scientist or pundit of some kind makes a comment about how great opposable thumbs are and how they account for all sorts of supposed advancements for those that have them. So anyway, I'm making coffee and I think to myself "yeah! What *is* the deal with opposable thumbs anyway" so I make coffee without using my thumbs, piece of cake! Even though it's a laborious complex operation involving a grinder, an espresso machine, microwaving piping hot cups of hot milk etc etc. Nope, no need for them yet... Then I think "Oh yeah because you need thumbs to use tools" that's what they're always saying...but then again, you don't really. In fact all you really need is at least one, prefereably two fingers that can curl back against your palm. And in fact if by some weird twist of fate every human suddenly lost both their thumbs all at the same time would civilization come to a stand still? would we all start walking around on all fours grunting and scratching our asses? No, of course not! We'd re-arrange our environment to suit and get on with it all -- easy peasy! I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to tempt fate here or anything, I like my thumbs just fine :), but they aren't as significant as they are purported to be.
Try doing any task that requires fine motor skills like writing or painting and you'll notice the difference. Most of the stuff we make these days is easy to use by any untrained lout and doesn't require a lot of fine motor control, but back in the day before machines were so common it made a huge difference.
and of course [they] outsource their technical support to a land where English bears little resemblance to the language I speak - Christopher Duncan
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too late [^] ;) :rolleyes: :laugh: Steve
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Well considering I've yet to find any day to day practical application for thumbs aside from convenience and not necessity I'd have to say I disagree. Maybe it's just me, maybe I have freakishly dextrous fingers, the only thing I can't seem to do is snap two fingers like I can with my thumb and any other finger.
The History of Man, the Story of the Opposable Thumb, and the Origin of England [^] :-O :rolleyes: :laugh: Steve
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Withoutthumbs,allmysentenceswouldlooklikethis.
Jon Sagara When I grow up, I'm changing my name to Joe Kickass! My Blog | My Site | My Articles