Gutenberg's invention of printing from moveable type revolutionized ways of thinking and learning--increasing literacy, spreading knowledge, and standardizing both letterforms and spelling.

Gutenberg not only created a new industry but a unique one, in which interchangeable parts (pieces of type) were used for the first time, thus pointing the way to later techniques of mass production.

Furthermore, by printing
books without a buyer in mind, Gutenberg anticipated mass marketing.

From Thirty Centuries of Graphic Design