How the World Really Works
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 11,491 ratings, 1,167 reviews)Read More
How the World Really Works
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
How the World Really Works
How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil offers readers a unique lens through which to view the complexities of our modern world. With his signature contrarian mindset, Smil delves into seven foundational aspects that shape our survival and prosperity: energy, food production, the material world, globalisation, risk, the environment, and the future. Each chapter meticulously unpacks these topics to provide a comprehensive understanding, dispelling common myths and presenting hard-hitting truths grounded in scientific research.
In an age where information is abundant yet often overwhelming, most of us struggle to grasp how the world operates on a fundamental level. Smil's ambitious and thought-provoking narrative illuminates the realities behind our daily existence and the intricacies of global interconnectedness. He demonstrates, for instance, that globalisation is not an inevitable trend, and highlights the critical dependency our societies have developed on fossil fuels, making their swift eradication infeasible.
Vaclav Smil, a world-renowned expert on energy and an interdisciplinary polymath, approaches these topics not as a pessimist or an optimist, but as a scientist committed to the facts. This work stands as his magnum opus, taking readers on an intellectual journey that challenges conventional wisdom and addresses widespread misinformation from notable figures such as Yuval Noah Harari and Noam Chomsky. Smil’s rigorous analysis calls attention to the urgency of understanding our world before attempting to solve its most pressing problems.
Drawing on the latest scientific insights, including his own groundbreaking research, Smil examines the trajectory of our planet to answer the profound question of our time: are we doomed to face insurmountable challenges or is there hope for a bright and sustainable future? This book provides the indispensable knowledge needed to navigate and influence the future of our modern society effectively.
How the World Really Works is more than just a read; it is an essential guide for anyone seeking to make sense of the ever-evolving global landscape. Smil’s commitment to empirical evidence and clear-eyed assessments makes this a standout contribution to contemporary discourse on sustainability, energy, and global development.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil is praised for being informative and eye-opening, shedding light on the complexities and realities of the modern world. Reviews highlight its meticulous research, accessibility, and engaging writing style. It offers valuable insights into our resources consumption, the challenges of the green energy transition, and the uncertain future, making it a compelling and essential read.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780241989678
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 06 October 2022
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 22.0mm
Width: 128.0mm
Height: 196.0mm
Weight: 240g
Pages: 336
About the Author
Vaclav Smil is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Manitoba. He is the author of over forty books on topics including energy, environmental and population change, food production and nutrition, technical innovation, risk assessment, and public policy. No other living scientist has had more books (on a wide variety of topics) reviewed in Nature. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, in 2010 he was named by Foreign Policy as one of the Top 100 Global Thinkers.
Also by Vaclav Smil
View allMore from Science & Nature
View allWhy buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent specialist on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our cozy 200m2 warehouse in Auckland holds over 10,000 books in-stock so you're not waiting for books to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Pick Ups
We're an online-only store but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.