Energy and Civilization
A History
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Energy and Civilization
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Narrated by:
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David Colacci
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By:
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Vaclav Smil
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 MediaListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Energy and Civilization
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- SteveN
- 14-11-21
How Energy shaped Society
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.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Karolina
- 10-04-20
One of the most important books I've heard
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.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Edilson
- 14-07-20
Interesting and exceptional
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
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- tony maguire
- 14-08-22
absolutely thoroughly enjoyable
enjoyed every minute of this and I struggled to absorb the shear volume of information inside
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
very interesting but too many numbers
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
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Iryna
- 17-07-24
By far the most comprehensive book on energy
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.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 04-07-24
brilliant
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.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- fiyi
- 29-05-18
Too longwinded
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.
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10 people found this helpful