The Lazy Genius’ Page Turning Device [VIDEO]

A Rube Goldberg machine is a device that aims to complete a simple task in the most complicated way possible. The Rube Goldbergian contraption featured in this post assists with turning the page of a newspaper, and the overly complex machine and its master have become two of our favourite things in the world. Kinetic artist Joseph Herscher, dubbed by the New York Times as “Brooklyn’s Rube Goldberg”, is responsible for creating this hilarious contraption that ultimately assists a man reading a newspaper to turn the page by means of breaking glass, absorbing gasoline vapour in a sponge, heating an innocent hamster and more until the desired result is achieved. Herscher has pinpointed what it is that makes Rube Goldberg machines so attractive – the purpose of a machine is to facilitate processes and make life easier, which is why viewers love to watch Rube Goldberg machines complete remedial tasks in a difficult and complex way. Herscher prides himself on using nothing more than everyday items and products (like cups from IKEA and cue balls). We are sure that you cannot watch Herscher’s Page Turner contraption in action just once.