BR: Made In America and Making the Modern World
For the first time, for the following 2 books, I am not providing a Book Review (BR), rather a Book Recommendation. Reason: It is impossible to do just a book review given the amount of content. But I do feel compelled to urge my readers to review the following books.
I came across Vaclav Smil a year ago. An amazingly accomplished author of more than 30 books and Distinguished Professor Emeritus at University of Manitoba. He is considered as one of the world’s top 100 Global Thinkers. What is also most notable about Vaclav is how off the grid he is. Writing about critical content (he has an extreme and deep range) but not looking for accolades or a social status. One of his books has only one book review. By Bill Gates!
I highly recommend the following books: Made in America: The Rise and Retreat of American Manufacturing & Making the Modern World: Materials and Dematerialization by Vaclav Smil.
Both books contain enormous amounts of factual data. Conjecture is at a minimum. However, both books also will make the sincere reader highly uncomfortable and agitated about the ‘actual and unfabricated’ state of affairs in technology, global economy and commerce. Somewhat like me with my book, ProVoke, you have to get uncomfortable before you can improve in anything. Using examples such as migration of manufacturing and globalization, Vaclav critically analyzes the changes brought about by modernization and the consequences. Ample examples are shared, and what I enjoyed most was the factual nature of the book.
Bottomline: Readers will learn new facts and deep analysis by Vaclav and be better aware of the state of global technology, commerce and business. Not a beach-read, nor are we going to see Vaclav giving keynotes and speeches. I would totally concur that he is a great thinker and enables and elicits you to think critically about what is real vs what is hyped. Like Vaclav, I too believe in needing to discuss facts to explore how to improve, opposed to being swept away with commercial hype and social jazz. Looks like Bill Gates feels the same way.
My goal is to meet Vaclav in person at which point I will publish the entire interview for my lovely readers. Until then check out these great books. Two new book reviewed coming to you soon…
Disrupt | Innovate | Lead
