Gasoline tank capacity reveals remarkable economic progress. Modern vehicles travel 250 to 400 miles per tank, a stark contrast to human history where most people never ventured beyond their birthplace. This mobility represents far more than transportation convenience. It reflects information technology, infrastructure development, and economic freedom that enabled people to match their talents with opportunities globally. For the vast majority of human existence, geographic limitations trapped individuals in predetermined roles, severely constraining economic potential and innovation. Today's ability to travel hundreds of miles on a single tank symbolizes how far civilization has progressed in just over a century.
