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INSIGHT

The Henry Adams Curve and Technological Progress

The Henry Adams curve illustrates the historical trend of increasing energy use and technological advancement.
Henry Adams observed that each year brought more available energy and technological improvements.
Until the 1970s, the Henry Adams curve was considered a law, showing how increased energy use correlated with improved quality of life.
The curve demonstrates rapid technological progress, such as the evolution from the Wright Brothers' plane to 727s in just 50 years.
However, progress has slowed in recent decades, with commercial airplanes showing minimal advancements in the past 60 years.

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