[Quora] 什么才是最优雅的发明？

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What is the most elegant idea ever?

什么才是最优雅的发明？

原文地址：https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-most-elegant-idea-ever

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Wayne Mulligan:

The Paperclip:
回形针：

Here's why:
下面是理由：

• It was truly "invented" - paperclips, unlike the wheel, weren't based on a naturally occurring shape

• 回形针不像轮子一样是基于自然界确实存在的形状，而确确实实是被“发明”出来的

• Functionally Darwinistic - It was invented over 120 years ago and the design hasn't changed a bit...optimal evolution occurred on Day 1

• 功能进化论，回形针在 120 年之前就已经出现，并且它的形状完全没有变化，在发明的第一天就已经达到了完美形态

• True elegance -- accomplishes a simple objective (binds pieces of paper) without disturbing the media it interacts with

• 真正的优雅，在达成功能（固定几张纸）的同时却没有干扰到纸张的内容

• If you modify the design at all its functionality is diminished greatly - again, highlighting its optimal design

• 如果你改变它的形状那么回形针的功能将会减弱，再一次，凸显了它已最佳化的设计

• However, the design can be easily modified to suit other needs (i.e. it's versatile) -- how many times have you unfolded a paperclip in order to reset your old CD ROM drives? :)

• 然而，回形针的设计又可以在经过修改之后去适应别的需求（多功能），比如你曾经多少次的把一个回形针掰直然后去重置你的 CD 光驱呢？

• Mostly everyone has used one - and anyone who hasn't can certainly afford one

• 差不多所有人都使用过回形针，同时应该没有人买不起

• They don't need an instruction manual (confession, I needed one)

• 回形针不需要使用指南（我承认自己需要一本指南）