Civilizational Energy Transition and Contemporary Unrest
By
AndrewDucker
Crackling crust, pillowy middle. The kind of bagel that earns a second cup of coffee.
Summary
The article analyzes the current global unrest and radicalization as consequences of an unprecedented civilizational energy transition that began around 1750. It traces humanity's energy evolution from muscle power, wind, water, and basic combustion to the industrial revolution's transformative impact. The piece examines how this irreversible energy shift is creating widespread insecurity and societal disruption, framing contemporary political and social turmoil within the context of this fundamental energy transformation.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledIt's pretty clear now that a lot of the unrest we're seeing—and the insecurity-induced radicalization—is due to an unprecedented civilizational energy transition that looks to be more or less irreversible at this point.
Until approximately 1750, humanity's energy budget was constrained by the available sources: muscle power, wind power (via sails and windmills), some water power (via water wheels), and only heat from burning wood and coal.
During the 19th century we learned to use combustion engines to provide motive power for both stationary and mobile applications.
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