You can’t go far without seeing one, and you can’t buy much without it having used one. I am referring to ‘containers’ those huge metal boxes that you see stacked at dock sides and rushing down the motorways on flat bed lorries. It was yesterday that I first heard what an impact they have had on the world – until then although I’ve seen them around, I hadn’t realised how important they are. According to the radio programme I was listening too as I drove home (thankfully not stuck behind a container lorry) they have had as great an impact as the IT revolution. Mind you, it’s not simply the containers themselves, it’s a whole integrated transport system, trains and lorries, cranes for handling them, special ships for their sea passage by the hundred and so on right to the end of the supply chain. Instead of 50,000 dockers in New York, they now require only 2,500, and working conditions have greatly improved. . Goods, like bottles of wine, shoes or furniture are handled far less times. So, the transport time as well as direct costs are vastly reduced. Theft has been greatly reduced as well. Factories can be located far away from the docks and even in other countries. Without them globalisation as we know it would not have been possible. And all I thought until yesterday when I saw one was ‘what an ugly nuisance to be stuck behind’ or on a good day ‘there go more articles to purchase’!. Now I know these rather despised objects have changed our world.
Which brings me to my favourite subject – the Bible. Most homes in our country have one, but it isn’t highly prized by most, in fact it’s far less likely to be read than the Ikea catalogue! Most people regard the Bible as archaic and boring. Many regard it as an ugly nuisance – with all its demands and commands. A lot consider it is confusing, finding it very difficult to make sense of, even when it is in a newer translation, because where are you supposed to start and how do you find the right bit to help you, should you want to do so.
In fact, of course, it’s the book that has probably changed the world more than any other. You needn’t take my word for it.
Through this bible...English became the ruling tongue of two world empires...The bible has had more impact on the ideology of the last four centuries than any other creed, manifesto or dogma....The publication of the bible in English and its reach...enabled there to be common debate and discussion. This undoubtedly helped lay the ground for democracy. (Melvyn Bragg, 12 books that changed the world, Hodder and Stoughton 2006, page 272).
