In a humble square in Mainz, Germany, stands a statue of a 15th century man. Chances are you don’t think of this man often, but if you read a newspaper this morning you have a reason to thank him.

Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized literacy in Europe, and later the entire world, when he invented a movable type printing press. This invention drastically decreased the cost and time of producing printed materials, and with a single invention it was now possible for the middle classes to have access to books.

According to several sources, February is the month of his birth and death. While this can be disputed, the need to recognize the contributions of Johannes Gutenberg is not. So the next time you pick up a book, pamphlet, or newspaper remember what may have happened today in history.