History

Energy and Civilization

Vaclav Smil · 2000

Lindy Score

4,245·Classic

26 yrs

Age

2

Endorsers

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Why it endured

Vaclav Smil's sweeping history of how energy — from human muscles to fossil fuels — has shaped the development of civilization. The definitive account of humanity's relationship with energy.

What they're saying

2 people recommend this book

Bill GatesCo-founder of Microsoft

Goes deep and broad to explain how innovations in humans’ ability to turn energy into heat, light, and motion have been a driving force behind our cultural and economic progress over the past 10,000 years.

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Naval RavikantEntrepreneur & philosopher

[What are you currently reading?] [...] The Beginning of Infinity [...] The Fabric of Reality [...] I also have a book called Scientific Freedom which is kind of about how you do high quality scientific research. [...] Something Deeply Hidden, which is a book on the many universes theory by Sean Carroll. There is No Antimemetics Division, a sci-fi novel that I just finished. The Disappearance of the Universe. Energy and Civilization. When Money Dies.

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