Numbers Don't Lie

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by Vaclav Smil

Is it risky to fly? How much do all the cows in the world weigh? And what causes individuals to be happy?

From earth's nations and inhabitants, through the fuels and foods that energise them, to the transportation and inventions of our modern world - and how all of this affects the planet itself - in Numbers Don't Lie, Professor Vaclav Smil takes us on a fact-finding adventure, using surprising statistics and illuminating graphs to challenge lazy thinking.

We learn how many people it took to build the Great Pyramid, why vaccination yields the best return on investment, and why electric cars aren't as good as we think (yet). There's a great blend of science, history, and wit in bite-sized chapters covering a wide range of topics.

Numbers Don't Lie is a timely and important book that encourages readers to question what they believe to be true in these critical times. Smil is on a quest to make facts important, since while statistics don't lie, which truth do they convey?

Our thoughts on Numbers Don't Lie

Our favourite quote from Numbers Don't Lie

For every dollar invested in vaccination, $16 is expected to be saved in healthcare costs and the lost wages and lost productivity caused by illness and death.

Book Summary

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For every dollar invested in vaccination, $16 is expected to be saved in healthcare costs and the lost wages and lost productivity caused by illness and death.

— Vaclav Smil, Numbers Don't Lie