Vaclav Smil Quotes

We're a society that demands electricity 24/7. Thi... -Vaclav Smil

We're a society that demands electricity 24/7. This is very difficult with sun and wind.

Exceptional circumstances can accelerate the gradual process of energy transitions: France's decision to develop nuclear energy on a grand scale is perhaps the best example of how that can be done by government fiat. In contrast, America's accelerated shift from coal has been driven by an inevitable embrace of cheaper natural gas.

U.S. industries from steel-making to plastics synthesis are among the world's most energy-efficient; American agriculture is highly productive, as are America's railroads. But for decades, Americans themselves have been living beyond their means, wasting energy in their houses and cars and amassing energy-intensive throwaway products on credit.

I wouldn't put a big trust in what people in Silicon Valley say. They may be good at manipulating ones and zeroes and writing software, but beyond that, their contribution to human progress has been pretty dismal. I'm not impressed.

There is no reason we can't design a car to last f... -Vaclav Smil

There is no reason we can't design a car to last for 35 years instead of six or seven.

Discovering the context

The quote expresses a belief that it is feasible to design cars with a longer lifespan. It implies that by employing appropriate design principles and considerations, it is possible to extend the durability and longevity of automobiles beyond the commonly observed lifespan.

The problems that ail the U.S. economy and American society are one and the same: Both consume too much and refuse to make badly needed changes. This is true above all in the realm of energy.

In every society, manufacturing builds the lower middle class. If you give up manufacturing, you end up with haves and have-nots, and you get social polarization. The whole lower middle class sinks.

The great hope for a quick and sweeping transition... -Vaclav Smil

The great hope for a quick and sweeping transition to renewable energy is wishful thinking.

Vaclav Smil Quotes

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