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Energy and Civilization

A History

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Energy and Civilization

By: Vaclav Smil
Narrated by: David Colacci
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About this listen

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 Environment Science Social Sciences World Thought-Provoking Military Imperialism Paleontology Ancient History Sustainability

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All stars
Most relevant  
A riveting take on the whys and wherefore of the development of man this is a very convincing and enlightening argument. Very well read and authoritative, it presents energy and the transition from muscle power to nuclear power as the basis and the problem of the mess and the opportunity of today.

A Different take on civilization

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Prepare yourself for an epic journey through time as Vaclav explores the growth (and decline) of civilisations in conjunction with the impacts of energy prime movers and social mindsets.

To be honest, the final chapter is most relevant to understanding how our energy needs will dictate our future/survival. However, it is useful to understand how we have got to this point in our growth as a species and so this book is more than worth the near 20 hours of listening.

How Energy shaped Society

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This book is a treasure of information about our relationship with energy. Well researched and insightful. Vaclav argues his points well and dispels any myths I have had on the matter of energy.

One of the most important books I've heard

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It is a very interesting take on the history of the world through the usage, consumption of the various types of energy resources and the impact it has in shaping civilisation

Interesting and exceptional

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enjoyed every minute of this and I struggled to absorb the shear volume of information inside

absolutely thoroughly enjoyable

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very interesting review of history through the lense of energy use and human's ability to harness energy through the ages. Many sections consisted of dense numbers and calculations which are particularly difficult to keep track of just hearing. Slightly repetitive in places. wish there more information about how some technological developments were achieved. overall very interesting

very interesting but too many numbers

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By far the most comprehensive book on energy and its role on formative aspects of world history and civilization. Very technical and full of facts, but accessible for an average reader.

By far the most comprehensive book on energy

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it's actually very interesting, but that said it has proven to be the best book to fall asleep to I've found so far. the narrator is spot on. would highly highly recommend.

brilliant

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Got this because Bill Gates recommended it and I love most of his reading list. But this one I found to be more a listing of facts than many real insights.

Too longwinded

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