" Open your refrigerator door, and you summon forth more light than the total amount enjoyed by most households in the 18th century. The world at night, for much of history, was a very dark place indeed. "
- Bill Bryson

When we open our refrigerator door today, we are greeted by a bright light that would have been unimaginable just a few centuries ago. This simple action reveals how much lighting has evolved and transformed daily life since the times when most homes were dimly lit or unlit after sundown.

Bill Bryson’s quote highlights not only the technological advancement but also the dramatic shift in our relationship with darkness. In earlier eras, nightfall meant a return to near-total darkness for many households unless they had access to candles or oil lamps, which were costly and limited in use. Today's everyday appliances like refrigerators exemplify how light has become ubiquitous and accessible, fundamentally altering daily routines and extending the productive hours of our day well beyond sunset.

Bill Bryson is an acclaimed author known for his ability to make complex subjects engaging through humor and relatable anecdotes. His writing often explores the history of human civilization with a focus on the small yet significant ways in which we have adapted to and shaped our environment, reflecting profound insights into cultural and technological evolution.