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Numbers Don't Lie
368 pages, 2021
Vaclav Smil is a professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba. He is also a prolific author who has written more than twenty books on energy and environment. His latest book, Numbers Don't Lie , is published by Greystone Books. In the book, he answers questions such as: What's worse for the environment—your car or your phone? How much do the world's cows weigh (and what does it matter)? And what makes people happy?
From data about our societies and populations, through measures of the fuels and foods that energize them, to the impact of transportation and inventions of our modern world—and how all of this affects the planet itself—in Numbers Don't Lie , Vaclav Smil takes us on a fact-finding adventure using surprising statistics and illuminating graphs to challenge conventional thinking.
Packed with fascinating information and memorable examples , Numbers Don't Lie reveals how the US is leading a rising worldwide trend in chicken consumption , that vaccination yields the best return on investment , and why electric cars aren't as great as we think .(yet)
In Numbers Don't Lie, Vaclav Smil explores the importance of numbers in our lives. He shows us that numbers are not just abstract concepts, but they have real-world implications. They can help us make sense of complex issues and guide our decisions.
Smil takes us on a journey to see how numbers are embedded in our everyday life. From the food we eat, the energy we consume, to the technology we use, numbers are everywhere. They help us understand the world around us in a more concrete way.
The book also warns us about the misuse of numbers. Smil points out that numbers can be manipulated to support certain viewpoints or agendas. Therefore, it's crucial to critically evaluate the numbers we encounter and not take them at face value.
Smil emphasizes the role of numbers in policy making. He argues that sound policies should be based on solid numerical data. This can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently.
Lastly, Numbers Don't Lie invites us to appreciate the beauty of numbers. Smil shows us that numbers can reveal patterns and relationships that are not immediately obvious. They can help us uncover the hidden order in the chaos of the world.
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Numbers Don't Lie is a book that everyone should read. It's a brilliant analysis of the numbers that shape our world.
Bill Gates - Microsoft Co-founder