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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Size summary
How It Explains the World
16 mins
Brief summary
<i>Size</i> by Vaclav Smil is a comprehensive exploration of the various aspects of size in nature and society. It delves into the significance of size in determining the characteristics and dynamics of systems, showcasing Smil's deep knowledge and analytical thinking.
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Size
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Size matters
In Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels, Gulliver finds himself in the strange world of Houyhnhnms – highly intelligent, eloquent horses – and brutish Yahoos, creatures with an uncanny human-like appearance. Despite his intelligence, Gulliver is deemed a “gentle Yahoo” due to his size and appearance, subtly revealing how our physical dimensions shape our identities and the way we’re perceived by others.
The concept of size pervades all facets of our existence, leaving imprints on our cultures. Many languages, for example, have intricate ways to express size; in Japanese, there are three distinct forms to denote size, underlining the societal importance given to it. From societal traditions to popular folklore, size is often viewed as a symbol of status, power, or significance across cultures.
In the scientific world, the understanding and measurement of size often poses profound challenges. An example is the paradox of the British coastline: its calculated length varies dramatically depending on the scale of the map used, reflecting the complexities of quantifying size in real-world scenarios.
Size also permeates our daily lives, creating a world defined by accepted and expected dimensions. Observe the world around you, and you’ll find countless instances where dimensions play a vital role – from the size of your clothes and the height of each step in a staircase to the layout and scale of your home. Any deviation from these norms – such as an oddly tall step or an overly large piece of furniture – can feel startlingly disruptive, underlining our deep-rooted conditioning by size.
However, society’s obsession with size often comes with unintended consequences. The relentless pursuit of growth can lead to economic monopolies, environmental degradation, overpopulation, and an overlooking of the smaller, subtler details that hold intrinsic beauty and value.
Size and precision, too, share a captivating, symbiotic relationship. Enormous structures like skyscrapers rely on meticulously precise, micro-scale architectural and engineering systems for their construction. In technology, the twin trends of miniaturization and enlargement influence diverse fields – from medicine, where nanotechnology is revolutionizing treatments, to energy, where vast solar farms contribute to a sustainable future.
Size isn’t merely about physical dimensions – it’s a fundamental aspect of our cultural, scientific, and technological narratives. Gaining a deeper understanding of size not only illuminates its practical relevance but also unravels its intricate connections with our perceptions, values, and aspirations. Whether we’re navigating the peculiar world of Swift’s Houyhnhnms and Yahoos or delving into the mysterious domain of quantum physics, it’s vital to remember that size, more than just a measure, is an integral chapter of our human story.
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What is Size about?
Size (2023) explores how dimensions, microscopic to monumental, permeate every aspect of our lives. It delves into the cultural, scientific, and technological repercussions of size, unraveling its paradoxes and illuminating our multifaceted relationship with scale.
Size Review
Size (2019) delves into the immense impact size has on our world, exploring everything from the scale of organisms to global systems. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:
- With fascinating examples and detailed analysis, it reveals the profound influence of size on all aspects of life, from biology to economics.
- By examining the interconnections between different scales, it illuminates the complexity and interconnectedness of our world, providing a new perspective on how things work.
- The book's wide-ranging exploration of size, from the microscopic to the cosmic, ensures that there is always something new and interesting to discover on every page.
Who should read Size?
- Curious minds seeking understanding of the world’s physical dimensions
- Environmental enthusiasts exploring human impact
- Innovators who are fascinated by scalability
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Size FAQs
What is the main message of Size?
The main message of Size is understanding the importance and implications of scale in various aspects of life.
How long does it take to read Size?
The reading time for Size depends on the reader's speed, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Size a good book? Is it worth reading?
Size is worth reading for its insightful exploration of scale and its impact on our world.
Who is the author of Size?
Vaclav Smil is the author of Size.
What to read after Size?
If you're wondering what to read next after Size, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Making the Modern World by Vaclav Smil
- How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil
- Seven Brief Lessons on Physics by Carlo Rovelli
- Energy by Vaclav Smil
- Strange Glow by Timothy J. Jorgensen
- Material World by Ed Conway
- Why We Die by Venki Ramakrishnan
- Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! by Richard P. Feynman
- Smart Until It's Dumb by Emmanuel Maggiori
- Frames of Mind by Howard Gardner