Many inventions can seem insignificant, but given the right context can change the world. In 1066 one of the most decisive battles in the history of the world was fought. William, Duke or Normandy, ventured an invasion of England in the face of a formidable opponent. But one of the reasons that gave him the confidence to try such a risky undertaking was that he had a recently invented technological edge that the English did not. That edge was the stirrup. When the English came to the battlefield, they fought on foot; conventional wisdom being that the horse was too unstable a platform from which to fight. But the Norman cavalry, standing secure in their stirrups, were able to ride down the English, letting the weight of their charging horses punch their lances home. This technological edge led to the conquest of Britain. Without it, William might never have attempted such a perilous war.

When we enter the daily activities of life much of what we do can seem insignificant, ordinary, and routine. But don't think that way. The smallest of things can produce the greatest of change. A stirrup changed the world. Your actions can as well.