Some of the oldest tools that have been found have dated all the way back to the Paleolithic stage, though new evidence proposes the idea that tools may have been created before this time.
The Homo habilis was found to have made tools (thought to have been used for cutting meat, and breaking open bones) out of lava rock, Homo erectus developed a more advanced selection of digging, scraping, and cutting tools, while Cro-Magnons created an array of useful, and even more advanced selection of tools. Each time that one of these beings created such a tool they made their lives easier, which I believe prolonged and enhanced their lives. Another useful skill was the ability to manipulate
fire. The first to manipulate fire was Homo erectus. Fire served many useful purposes, including warmth in cold climates, the option of whether or not to cook food, and also the very useful ability to ward off predators. Each of these would prove to be extremely useful, and help to keep one self from becoming a victim to one of the many dangers that posed a serious threat to the Hominids in such a time. Obviously making it a greater in the many Hominid achievements. Another great and useful accomplishment was the development of language. Homo erectus was thought to be the first to construct the early stages of this valuable ability. Speech provided the opportunity for united planning, allowing Homo erectus to be better prepared for important events, such as group hunting's, and quite frankly giving them a leg up above their competition, Neanderthal. These three abilities, to use tools, to manipulate fire, and to communicate through speech each serve a variety of very useful purposes, and would therefore be more important, in my opinion, to the life a Hominid than a less versatile ability. Each achievement would enhance the life of the Hominid who used it, making it easier, and more prolonged, as well as opening many new doors for the being.