Humans as Tool Users

tools and evolution

Why Use Tools?

We make up for our deficits by creating and using tools to enhance our capabilities.

The manufacture and use of crude stone tools 2.7 million years ago is the earliest known tool use that set our ancestors apart from other primates. Stone tools are arguably the element of physical culture that had the single biggest impact on our development as a species.

Since that time our ability to alter our physical environment and extend our physical, communication, and mental capabilities through tools has increased dramatically. The wearable computer is modern example of a highly integrated information tool.