Affluence of cheap energy
I’m currently reading Geek Speak: How Life + Mathematics = Happiness. Its an OK read so far, and primarily deals with methods of estimating figures based on gross rough-order-of-magnitude numbers. For example, he uses his assupmtions about the number of families with pianos in Great Britian to estimate the number of piano tuners in Boston. Unfortunately he doesn’t reveal if his number is correct–his point is that he’s teaching the reader how to estimate such oddities.
One point I found very interesting was the discussion of horse-power and energy in general. He claims that a typical person is able to generate about 75 watts of energy through physical activity. Coincidentally, the typical refrigerator consumes an average of 75 watts throughout the day. Therefore having a refrigerator running on electricity is like having a slave constantly running on a tread mill to keep your food cold.
I frequently remind myself about just how incredibly luxurious our lives are today. If we compare lives 200 years ago with our lives today, we live better than the kings and queens ever did. We may not own as much physical space, but think what it would have taken for them to travel 10 miles in 20 minutes protected from the elements. If it were even possible, that would be an enormous undertaking. What about keeping a castle at a consistent temperature throughout the winter? Or keeping food fresh for weeks at a time? Or wearing clean clothes every day?
Cheap energy has provided us incredible life of luxury.
