[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

It's the result of too much interference on the part of the Valar. A combination of both well meaning interference, in bringing the elves to the west, siphoning off the most adventurous and creating a dependency on the Valar. Then the stunting effect of Morgoth's attempts at domination, bringing about a long dark age. Even our own dark ages set back technology that had been discovered during the Roman times.

Time itself does not produce improvement.

You also need talent, brilliance, and the freedom of circumstances to imagine means to improve things. Even the technological advances of warfare are produced in the peaceful space behind the front lines.

Or here's another theory: they did have technological advances. See Celebrimbor and magic rings. Silmarils. Moon-letters. Isildi.

What makes us think technological advancement would naturally mimic our own? Isn't that a bit egotistical?

Fun topic, Mho.

[ April 11, 2002: Message edited by: Marileangorifurnimaluim ]