What is the importance of the invention of printing in the development of human civilization?

It allowed stories to be documented, laws to be printed, plans messages and news, languages plus a record of events.

it allowed everything in daily life to be recorded and stored for further use or reference. Also, with the lasting quality of paper, the words remain and allow further interpretation, examination and rethinking opf various concepts.    

Before Gutenberg, every book had to be copied by hand. Now you could speed up the process without losing quality.
The first printed Bible was in March 12Th of 1455.
This meant that books soon became cheaper and even wider parts of the population could afford them. From now on people could follow debates and take part in discussions of matters that concerned them.
Interestingly enough, the printed word led to stringent attempts at censorship.
It was felt that common people could not handle such information and that books were better left to their betters.
The first printing (type) was made of wood and later bronze.
Gutenberg's invention was different in it was possible to print many copies of the same text speedily.
Now the common man could read what his government or King was doing and disagree with it, as he saw fit. It led to many people having the knowledge to know how to conduct their lives instead of the very rich. Thus the printing press was one of the most important inventions in history. It enabled men to study and learn, regardless of their station in life.
Note, the invention did not make Gutenberg rich.