Cover of Energy and Civilization

Energy and Civilization

A History

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Energy and Civilization

By: Vaclav Smil
Narrated by: David Colacci
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Summary

Energy is the only universal currency; it is necessary for getting anything done. The conversion of energy on Earth ranges from terra-forming forces of plate tectonics to cumulative erosive effects of raindrops. Life on Earth depends on the photosynthetic conversion of solar energy into plant biomass. Humans have come to rely on many more energy flows-ranging from fossil fuels to photovoltaic generation of electricity - for their civilized existence.

In this monumental history, Vaclav Smil provides a comprehensive account of how energy has shaped society, from pre-agricultural foraging societies through today's fossil fuel-driven civilization. Humans are the only species that can systematically harness energies outside their bodies, using the power of their intellect and an enormous variety of artifacts - from the simplest tools to internal combustion engines and nuclear reactors. The epochal transition to fossil fuels affected everything: agriculture, industry, transportation, weapons, communication, economics, urbanization, quality of life, politics, and the environment. Smil describes humanity's energy eras in panoramic and interdisciplinary fashion, offering listeners a magisterial overview.

©2017 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (P)2018 Gildan Media Science Social Sciences
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You definitely need to read this one. Listening won’t cut it because there are too many numbers and dates in the text. This being said, it is a great book, covering a lot of material that you would benefit enormously from. Don’t skip it, just listen and read at the same time. It’s a rewarding insight into human civilization.

Insightful but tough…

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In this substantial work, the author describes the evolution of mankind from prehistory to the present with a constant reference to how it is affected by energy.

His approach is very much quantitative, and he estimates for instance how much energy was required to hunt an antelope with respect to the calories it could provide. The methodology used is not detailed (thank goodness!) but such calculations must have been painstaking and certainly based on a flurry of assumptions that make them difficult to take at face value.

Yet, despite a certain tediousness, the approach is original and doubtlessly intellectually stimulating.

Original but Somewhat Tedious!

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