“By explicitly holding human life as his standard of value, Epstein argues that what makes the industry virtuous is its ability to improve the life of human beings. While other books may offer a defense of the industry by pointing to economic or political benefits, Epstein goes on offense and shows that the fossil fuel industry is actually good.”
“We—the men and women in the fossil fuel industry—promote human flourishing.”
The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels has the power to convince open-minded readers (and maybe open some closed minds) about the exciting utility of oft-criticized oil, natural gas, coal, and hybrids therein. The reader will come away with a deeper understanding of fossil fuels and a greater appreciations for the people behind the fossil fuel industries. The book connects the vast array of complex, technical challenges solved by hundreds of thousands of workers to the ultimate challenge: advancing human life.…
“When I returned to work this past summer, I felt completely different. The noise at the refinery wasn’t just oil traveling through the pipes, it was the blood of civilization pumping triumphantly. Every day, humans continue to choose fossil fuel energy because it is one of the best forms of energy, and I work at a refinery, helping people to use that energy.”
Here’s the scene.
You’re at a party. You’ve just been introduced to someone and you’re making small talk and exchanging information. Where are you from? What brings you here? Work? What do you do for a living?
Easy questions, right? Not if you work in the oil industry—because you have every reason to expect a negative response when you answer them. You hesitate and shift your weight, preparing for the coming judgment.…