Out of idea

Neumann machine is an interesting concept. Among other things it has been used by Arthur C Clarke to explain monoliths in space odyssey series.
However one wonders how did Neumann conceived of such a concept. Methinks he was inspired by the oldest institution in human history that is bureaucracy.
Alternatively he might have got this idea while filling his income tax return form.

Speaking of which reminds me of Freud, who famously said that when a man insulted another instead of throwing a stone, civilization was born. [Link]
If this is the criteria I think that civilization started declining after first committee was formed, things have been going downhill since then.