Human progress is driven by our ability to produce more with less—using fewer resources, less labor, and less time to create the things we need. In The Origins of Efficiency, Brian Potter explores the history of how these improvements happen. From the mass production of penicillin that saved millions in WWII to the evolution of the light bulb and the revolutionary manufacturing techniques of companies like Toyota and Tesla, Potter breaks down the “physics” of production. He argues that efficiency is not just a corporate goal but the fundamental engine that creates abundance and raises the global standard of living. By examining case studies in steel, semiconductors, and textiles, the book reveals the hidden mechanics behind the modern world’s prosperity.