So true! Kinda like getting more prime rib from the same weight of steer. The oil industry has pulled bigger and bigger rabbits out of the same hat for years. To me the refining process is a marvel. Imagine taking a barrel of stinking goo and turning it into several useful products. I watch what it takes to bring fuel to my local station and I am just amazed. Not worshipful, just amazed.
I worked in the electric power business for 25 years. I was constantly amazed at the notion of such a gigantic systems, comprised of millions of parts operating at incredible temperatures, pressures, flows and voltages, working non-stop for years at a time. Most people do not have a clue about what goes on behind the scenes.
I read once that the hallmark of great civilizations is these huge, complex networked systems run by professionals that deliver our clean water, electricity, fuels, take away our sewage and trash and myriad other things we take for granted. It always makes me wonder why in the world anyone would want to run their own power generating and storage plant at their house (ie, solar or wind) unless they were off-grid.