We cannot be sure as to who invented the knife and fork. But according to research, a manuscript from 1004 CE tells the story of Maria Argyropoulina. A Greek niece of Byzantine Emperor Basil II, who would use a certain golden instrument with two prongs to eat her meals. However, this didn't catch on in the rest of Europe until the 17^th century.

There is also no definitive time period that can be attributed with the invention of the spoon. However, archaeological evidence suggests that spoons with handles were used for ancient Egyptian religious purposes as early as 1000 BC. Made from materials such as ivory, wood, flint and slate. Where these were covered in ornate decorations and hieroglyphics.

Beforehand, people generally ate with their hands. In many cultures, fingers were used to pick up food and bring it to the mouth. Where in some cases, people used tools like flatbread or leaves as makeshift plates. Or used sticks to spear food. Indeed, in some cultures that still continues today.

What’s clear here is the evolution of change. Where change is certainty. As nothing remains the same for ever.

In lifestyle financial planning terms, that’s unquestionably particularly true. And mightily significant. As there are always things that are going to change in our lives. Whether it be by choice or instigated by us. Or external, and perhaps something that we can’t control.

We have to be adaptable. Which is something that the human race has always been a master at.

As Charles Darwin said, 'It’s not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, it is the most adaptable to change'.

Remember that life is not a rehearsal, and we only get one crack at it. And although the money is important, it’s what we do with it that really counts