The Roots of Progress

The Knowledge

How to Rebuild Civilization in the Aftermath of a Cataclysm

Lewis Dartnell

A summary of the technologies that the modern industrial world depends on, the basic principles of their operation, and how one might re-establish them if the world were to suffer some global shock that led to the breakdown of civilization.

I have no interest in apocalyptic scenarios (and I’m certainly not a prepper), but this book is a good survey of the key technologies of industrial civilization. However, I was only able to retain pieces of it. I enjoyed it but would only recommend it if the subject sounds particularly intriguing.

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