Johannes Gutenberg

Revolutionized communication by inventing the movable-type printing press, democratizing knowledge globally

Johannes Gutenberg (c. 1400–1468) is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in human history due to his invention of the movable-type printing press. Before Gutenberg's innovation, books were painstakingly copied by hand, making them rare and expensive. His press enabled mass production of texts, drastically reducing costs and making knowledge accessible to the masses.

The Gutenberg Bible, printed around 1455, became the first major book produced using movable type in Europe. This invention catalyzed the Printing Revolution, which fueled the Renaissance, Reformation, and Scientific Revolution by spreading ideas rapidly. By 1500, over 20 million books had been printed in Europe.

Gutenberg's press also standardized languages and fostered literacy. Without his breakthrough, modern education systems and global information networks like the internet might never have evolved. His legacy endures in the Project Gutenberg digital library, which continues his mission of democratizing knowledge.