Gutenburg invented the moveable type printing press in 1439. Little did he know that his invention would start revolutions,lead to world wars and destruction of the German economy 500 years later. In the early days information was conveyed mostly by word of mouth, of course we know about papyrus, cave paintings and such. more importantly though the printing press allowed mass production of books, later followed by newspapers, telegraph, telephone, radio, television, computers and today the mobile phone. 

Freedom of the press , number one freedom in the Bill of Rights was not inserted for invention, but to clarify ones basic right. However, moving forward, governments being fast learners as they are -especially dictators-have taken upon themselves to modify the First Amendment to the Constitution. They have interpreted it to mean that they (all government) can use the printing press  as a means to justify their self proclaimed ends.  In five hundred years the press has turned into the socialists most important weapon in the transfer of wealth from one part of society to another; not withstanding the ability of government to tax ones income.  The printing press has become the instrument of the socialist revolution. Without it, the moocher would have to work for survival, with it he can relax as the government provides succor.  

Printing money at will reduces the value of each unit, this is a tax that hides in the shadows, but over time the incomes of the worker begin to buy less. However, to appease the segment of population that a politician needs for survival the press is the tool of choice.  A gold standard for monetary creation would prevent the future devaluation of our money. Remember we cannot print gold, but governments can print fiat currency. That is why socialist governments are afraid of gold. "gold is not just money but the best sort of money"