Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
Energy summary
A Beginner’s Guide
17 mins
Brief summary
Energy by Vaclav Smil is a thorough account of the history, development, and current state of global energy systems. It's an insightful and comprehensive guide to understanding the importance of energy in our lives and its impact on the environment and society.
Table of Contents
Energy
Summary of 7 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 7
The concept of energy has developed over centuries.
Looking at the way we use the word “energy,” it’s clear that most of us aren’t entirely sure what energy actually is. For example, we say that charismatic speakers “energize the crowd,” or that we feel more energetic after rigorous training for our upcoming half-marathon.
Yet, these are figurative at best. In fact, it’s impossible for us to have more energy after spending hours exerting ourselves. So if it’s not science or physics, what informs our conception of energy?
In essence, when we talk about “energy,” we’re using a broad term that encompasses various types of energies. The term stems from the Greek word energeia, coined by Aristotle, which signifies motion, action or work. Today, energy is usually thought of as the capacity to do work, i.e., our ability to affect change.
This kind of work could be as simple as sitting in a room and contemplating the cosmos. Though you may seem inert, your body is indeed working – your heart pumps blood, your stomach digests food, etc. And that takes energy.
The first law of thermodynamics, which states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, demonstrates that “energy” is often just an abstract concept that describes the conversion of more varied energies.
To illustrate this, try rubbing your hands together very quickly. You’ll notice that they get warm. This isn’t because your hands have become “energized.” Rather, as you rub your hands together, kinetic energy (movement) is converted to thermal energy (heat), thus causing them to feel warm.
Mankind – including scientists such as Joules, Watt and Einstein – has been poring over the essence of energy for centuries. Over the years, scientists have created systems to measure these seemingly mystical energies – such as the International System of Units – and have used them to gain a better understanding of how our world works.
Energy is indeed a complex concept. Over the course of these blinks, we’ll unravel the mystery and show you the role that energy plays for all living things on our planet.
Want more?
Read or listen to the key ideas
from 7,500+ titles
Read or listen to the key ideas
from 7,500+ titles
Key ideas in Energy
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Energy about?
Energy (2006) offers insights into one of the most elusive concepts in the spectrum of human thought: energy. By understanding what energy is, how it has helped us get where we are today, and what dangers our reliance on certain forms of energy poses, we will be better equipped to handle the challenges faced by modern civilization.
Energy Review
Energy by Vaclav Smil (2017) delves into the intricate world of energy and its impact on society. Here's why this book is definitely worth a read:
- With rigorous research and a wealth of data, it offers a comprehensive understanding of energy that is both enlightening and eye-opening.
- It explores the historical context of energy and how it has shaped civilization, providing valuable insights into our current energy landscape.
- Through clear and concise explanations, Smil demystifies complex concepts, making the topic accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds.
Who should read Energy?
- Readers looking for the ultimate explanation of how our world works
- Physics fans and climate change deniers
- Anyone who is awed by the miracle of life
Categories with Energy
Book summaries like Energy
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Energy FAQs
What is the main message of Energy?
The main message of Energy is understanding the complexity and importance of energy systems for sustainable development.
How long does it take to read Energy?
The reading time for Energy varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Energy a good book? Is it worth reading?
Energy is a worthwhile read for those interested in understanding the world's energy resources and their impact on our lives. It provides valuable insights and knowledge for sustainable energy choices.
Who is the author of Energy?
The author of Energy is Vaclav Smil.
What to read after Energy?
If you're wondering what to read next after Energy, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Energy Myths and Realities by Vaclav Smil
- How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil
- Grand Transitions by Vaclav Smil
- The Grid by Gretchen Bakke
- MegaThreats by Nouriel Roubini
- Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
- Moore’s Law by Arnold Thackray
- Becoming a Changemaker by Alex Budak
- Should We Eat Meat? by Vaclav Smil