
History has served as a good indicator to show that our non-renewable energy independence is possible. Moby Dick, 1851, one of The Great American Novels recounts America's history of the whaling industry. During the 1850s, whaling was America's fifth largest industry and its main source of oil energy in lamps. Whale hunters, such as the portrayed Ishmael in Moby Dick nearly decimated the ocean's whale population with their non-merciful clear cutting techniques. What ironically ended up saving this vital mammal species was the discovery of fossil fuels. What history shows us is that humans can and will change their energy dependence if the alternatives are attractive. How about we wean our way off of oil and try a healthier alternative?