Reply #4: Petroleum and more energy per capita

[Terry in Austin]

The introduction and spread of petroleum use dramatically increased the energy per capita in America. Energy per capita is often considered "a fair measure" of the standard of living. It relates to that familiar stat about Americans having the equivalent of 19 slaves per person.

Energy per capita peaked in 1979. In the longer perspective of history, the 50 year period centering on 1979 would seem to qualify as a bright peak for our standard of living.