"A theory is the more impressive the
greater the simplicity of its premises, the more varied the
kinds of things that it relates and the more extended the area
of its applicability. Therefore classical thermodynamics has
made a deep impression on me. It is the only physical theory of
universal content which I am convinced, within the areas of the
applicability of its basic concepts, will never be overthrown."
Sustainability is
only possible if the total disorder created by a life system on
its surroundings can be overcome with energy. Until
relatively
recently, the energy needed for ecological sustainability has been
kept paced naturally by solar energy, and thus largely taken for
granted. But currently, the ecosystems we
rely on to sustain life are intrinsically requiring more and more
of our energy resources to be maintained, including resources that
had been traditionally reserved for our economy. Energy is also
central to what an economic system attempts to organize: the
ability to perform work, and the inherent value of goods and
services resulting from that work. Country
Joe McDonald might reasonably ask, “What are we fighting for?” Greenspan has already answered,“the Iraq war
is largely about oil,” and, “everybody knows.” The
general public knows that energy is central to our economy.
But it’s not just the economy we’re fighting for.
The general public can also at least intuit that energy is
essential for our survival, and that it comes from energy
resources. Certainly the fight for resources
is the answer Joe McDonald vexes from his question, but his
question still goes largely unanswered. Just what IS
energy anyway? Most of the general public do not
know exactly what energy is.