Alan, this is excellent! Every now and then someone writes something, maybe with a new twist or a new metaphor, that shines a light and gives us a new tool for understanding. This is such a tool.

The idea that we are currently using "energy slaves" to power our convenient and exciting lives really drives home the reality that we are living in a moment that will never be repeated again. The energy simply won't be there.

Also, now I'm wondering if humanity abolishing slavery was in reality such an accomplishment, or actually just something that was made possible because of energy slaves? If we never found fossil fuels, would be still have slavery in society? Quite possibly. An essay for another day.

And the slow motion explosion idea is also very powerful and accurate. Thank you!