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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Salt summary
Mark Kurlansky
A World History
23 mins
Brief summary
Salt by Mark Kurlansky is a fascinating exploration of salt's impact on world history, economics, and culture. From its use as currency to its role in food preservation, this book explores the many ways this common mineral has shaped our world.
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Salt
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Your personal survival depends on salt; human civilization has been shaped by this simple mineral.
Sitting on nearly every table in the Western world is a shaker of table salt. An ingredient that heightens the flavor of food, salt is truly commonplace and simple. Or is it?
Table salt is actually made up of two volatile chemical compounds. The first is a silvery white metal called sodium, also known as natrium or “Na” on the periodic table. Sodium alone is so unstable that it bursts into flame when it comes in contact with water!
Salt’s second component is chlorine, or “Cl.” When you add chlorine to water, this poisonous gas turns into a dangerous acid!
But when you combine chlorine with sodium, you get NaCl or sodium chloride – a stable, edible compound that we know as humble table salt.
Well, salt isn’t so humble – sodium chloride is of vital importance to our health. If you don’t eat enough salt, you may suffer from headaches or muscle weakness, and even die.
Thanks to sodium, your heart keeps beating, your nerves can send signals to each other, and your cells can feed themselves. You need salt to stay alive, yet your body can’t produce it. Worse, you lose salt everyday – through sweating, for instance.
You might also be surprised to hear that salt has shaped civilizations.
This mineral was the first international trade good and was even used as money because it was considered so precious. It was salt that gave humans a way to preserve food from spoiling.
Salt has also held many different cultural roles. Ancient Egyptians believed salt created sexual desire, so priests refused to eat it. In Judaism and Islam, salt is thought to protect against evil spirits. A similar belief existed in ancient Japan, which is why theater stages would be sprinkled with salt before performances.
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What is Salt about?
Salt (2002) tells the fascinating story of this basic mineral, from its early uses in food preservation to its role as a precious commodity, driving trade and conquest. These blinks shed light on the political conflict sparked by society’s demand for salt as well as the environmental damage wrought by the salt industry.
Salt Review
Salt (2002) by Mark Kurlansky explores the fascinating history and cultural significance of salt throughout the centuries. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:
- It uncovers the surprising influence of salt on world economies, politics, and even wars, revealing a hidden side of history.
- Rich in anecdotes and intriguing stories, the book brings to life the characters behind the salt trade, making it an engaging and immersive read.
- With its exploration of the complex role salt plays in our lives, from a humble seasoning to a symbol of power, the book challenges readers to reconsider everyday objects and their significance.
Best quote from Salt
The body of an average adult contains 250 grams of salt.
—Mark Kurlansky
Who should read Salt?
- People interested in the history of salt and its role in trade, war and revolutions
- Readers fascinated by the unusual forces that shape history
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Book summaries like Salt
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Salt FAQs
What is the main message of Salt?
The main message of Salt is the profound impact this mineral has had on the course of human history.
How long does it take to read Salt?
The reading time for Salt varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Salt a good book? Is it worth reading?
Salt is a captivating read that sheds light on the significance of this commonly used mineral. It will leave you with a fresh perspective on history and the world around you.
Who is the author of Salt?
The author of Salt is Mark Kurlansky.
What to read after Salt?
If you're wondering what to read next after Salt, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Story of Sushi by Trevor Corson
- The Mother Tongue by Bill Bryson
- Cod by Mark Kurlansky
- The Mystery of the Exploding Teeth by Thomas Morris
- Holy Sh*t by Melissa Mohr
- The Age of AI by Henry Kissinger
- The Golden Thread by Kassia St Clair
- Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
- India After Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha
- Influence by Robert B. Cialdini