Bill Gates has read nearly all 37 books by this Canadian scientist — here are 7 of his favorites
On Monday, Bill Gates released his annual list of favorite books that he read in 2017. One of his recommendations was “Energy and Civilization: A History” by Vaclav Smil.
This pick should come as no surprise — Gates has not been shy about his admiration of Smil’s work. On his Gates Notes blog, he said that he has read nearly all of Smil’s 37 books, most of which delve into topics like food production, energy, public policy, and the environment.
“The truth is, I’d read just about any topic he found interesting and wanted to dissect,” Gates wrote of the Czech-Canadian scientist.
Check out some of Gates’ favorite titles by Smil below.SEE ALSO: Bill Gates reveals his 5 favorite books of 2017
“Energy and Civilization: A History” (2017)
This nonfiction book explores how energy — from donkey-powered mills to renewable power sources — has shaped societies throughout history.
Smil makes the case that energy consumption and economic growth are undeniably linked.
“Yes, our history has a lot to do with kings and queens and games of thrones,” Gates wrote. “Smil shows that it has even more to do with energy innovation.”
Gates added that he disagrees with Smil on how quickly the world can completely transition to clean energy sources like solar and wind. Gates believes it will happen faster than Smil anticipates.
“Should We Eat Meat?: Evolution and Consequences of Modern Carnivory” (2014)
In 2015, Gates wrote that he enjoys how Smil never fails to question conventional wisdom in his work.
“Should We Eat Meat?” explores whether eating livestock — something humans have done for an estimated 2.5 million years — is healthy for us and the environment. Smil also covers ethical questions around raising animals for slaughter and details a few simple ways to eliminate cruelty.
The book is full of interesting statistics, Gates said. For example, a quarter of all ice-free land is used for grazing livestock. Every year, the average meat-eating American consumes more than enough blood to fill a soda can. And the US eats so much pepperoni each year that if all the slices were placed side-by-side, they would circle the Earth 50 times.
“Making the Modern World: Materials and Dematerialization” (2013)
Gates reviewed this book in 2014, noting “Not only did I learn some mind-blowing facts, but I also gained a new appreciation for all the materials that make modern life possible.”
In “Making the Modern World,” Smil considers the basic materials used throughout history, like wood stone, metals, alloys, plastics, and silicon. He then describes how each are produced, their main applications, and their environmental costs.
Smil also questions whether a gradual decline in the production of certain materials would lead to a decline in the global demand for them.
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