Throughout our history, there have been a large number of literary works which have caused a great impact on society. Given this, artificial intelligence told us which book it believes has had the most impact on society and the response may surprise. This is because Gutenberg’s Bible was the work that artificial intelligence chose and adds the reason for its choice.
Gutenberg’s Bible is a two-volume work which was printed in Latin and contains the complete text of the Old and New Testaments. It is estimated that approximately 180 copies were produced, 49 known copies are still in existence today. The quality of the printing, the paper and the binding demonstrate Gutenberg’s skill and attention to detail, but more importantly the great influence he had on society.
The impact it had on society
This book was the driving force behind the printing revolution which increased dramatically due to the accessibility and affordability of literary works. As a result, knowledge and information were disseminated more effectively, contributing to intellectual, cultural, and scientific growth for society. Although its most direct impact was on religion and its spread throughout the world.
The Bible was central to religion as its mass production became more accessible to all people. This promoted religious literacy and helped cement the role of Christianity in European society. This book not only paved the way on a religious level, but Gutenberg’s invention itself helped in the spread of ideas and the exchange of information, contributing to what became the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Scientific Revolution, three of which most significant cultural and intellectual movements in our entire history.