loading . . . Mechanochemistry: Looking back and ahead Mechanochemistry, from the ancient mortar and pestle to modern ball milling, offers sustainable, solvent-free reactions with unique selectivity while reducing emissions and costs. This review traces its history; highlights time-resolved in situ monitoring and computational insights into mechanisms; explores synergies with heat, light, electricity, and sound; and discusses emerging applications in the origins of life, supramolecular intermediates guiding the formation of covalent bonds, and direct mechanocatalysis. Emphasizing upscaling and digital integration, it highlights the transformative potential of mechanochemistry for forming the next-generation sustainable chemical industry. http://dlvr.it/TQSkQr