A scientist talks about the past, present, and future.

How does the world really work? The question seems simple, but it is not.
The urbanization of today's population and the developments of recent decades in agricultural production, energy, and the economy have changed the way we live.

Never before have we had such a volume of information at our disposal.
And yet most of us, trapped in our specialization and cut off from primary production, are unable to grasp the basic dimensions and see the big picture.

In this ambitious and provocative book, a leading scientist of our time analyzes the key factors that determine our survival and prosperity.
From energy and food production to raw materials and globalization, the risks we face, the environment, and the future, Vaclav Smil subjects today's theories and proposals to a thorough verification test based on real, irrefutable data and rational thinking.

If we want a better future, we must change the world.
But to change it, we must first, without prejudice, based on data alone, learn how it really works.