---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Every society, big or little, misses out…"
description: "\"“Every society, big or little, misses out on “obvious” technologies. The lacunae have enormous impact on people’s lives—imagine Europe with efficient p..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0ae/charles-c-mann-7228_civilization_every-society-big-or-little-misses-out-o_1550285.png"
---

#  Every society, big or little, misses out on “obvious”…

![“Every society, big or little, misses out on “obvious” technologies. The lacunae have enormous impact on people’s lives—imagine Europe with efficient plows or the Maya with iron tools—but not much effect on the scale of a civilization’s endeavors, as shown by both European and Maya history.” quote by Charles C. Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0ae/charles-c-mann-7228_civilization_every-society-big-or-little-misses-out-o_1550285.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0ae/charles-c-mann-7228_civilization_every-society-big-or-little-misses-out-o_1550285.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0ae/charles-c-mann-7228_civilization_every-society-big-or-little-misses-out-o_1550285.png)

> ““Every society, big or little, misses out on “obvious” technologies. The lacunae have enormous impact on people’s lives—imagine Europe with efficient plows or the Maya with iron tools—but not much effect on the scale of a civilization’s endeavors, as shown by both European and Maya history.””

[Charles C. Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-c-mann/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Societies often overlook simple, powerful technologies, limiting their development despite potential benefits.

**In simple terms:** People miss obvious tech, hurting progress.

Key Takeaway

Seek and adopt simple innovations.

Themes

technology history civilization innovation oversight

Mood

reflective critical inquisitive

Type

analytical historical philosophical

When to use this quote

- agricultural development
- industrial planning
- public policy
- education reform

Key Concepts

diffusion of innovation technological determinism cultural lag

Questions to Reflect On

- What “obvious” technology could transform your community today?
- How can societies better recognize and adopt simple innovations?

A Different Perspective

Overlooking simple tech can stem from entrenched traditions or lack of knowledge.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Civilization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civilization/)

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