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203 reviews for:
Off the Edge: Flat Earthers, Conspiracy Culture, and Why People Will Believe Anything
Kelly Weill
3.83 AVERAGE
203 reviews for:
Off the Edge: Flat Earthers, Conspiracy Culture, and Why People Will Believe Anything
Kelly Weill
3.83 AVERAGE
informative
medium-paced
excellent breakdown of the history and current status of the flat earth movement + the role of internet/social media in intensifying radicalization patterns.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
funny
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
informative
medium-paced
It was certainly interesting to learn about conspiracy theorists themselves but what I think the author is going for - to create some level of appreciation and reduce the scorn of these people (not downplaying the conspiracies but understand how they could be led to them) hasn't really worked on me entirely. I guess mostly I feel pity for those that are stupid enough and could be duped by Flat Earth , or "The great reset" or the latest ones like "15 minute cities"
The historical notes throughout are certainly worth the read though and the insights and additional information regarding some of the most famous flat earthers - like that rocket dude who won himself a Darwin Award.
The historical notes throughout are certainly worth the read though and the insights and additional information regarding some of the most famous flat earthers - like that rocket dude who won himself a Darwin Award.
Fascinating, astonishing, engaging, sad, and completely interesting from start to finish.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
**Book Review: "Off the Edge" by Kelly Weill**
Kelly Weill’s "Off the Edge" offers a compelling exploration of the flat Earth movement, tracing its roots and evolution through the lens of history and societal influences. The book dives deep into the peculiar world of flat earthers, providing a comprehensive look at how this seemingly fringe belief has gained traction over the years. Weill’s narrative is both engaging and informative, making it clear that the flat Earth theory is not just a quirky belief but a phenomenon that intersects with broader conspiracy theories and societal trends.
While the book presents an intriguing historical account, it ultimately falls short of fully delivering on its promise to delve into the psychological and sociological reasons behind why people are drawn to conspiracy theories. The synopsis and title suggest an in-depth analysis of the motivations that lead individuals to embrace such beliefs, yet the organization and depth of this exploration feel lacking. Readers might expect a structured examination of these motivations, but instead, they find a more generalized historical perspective that does not sufficiently address the core question of why individuals gravitate toward these theories.
Had Weill framed the book more explicitly as a historical and evolutionary exploration of the flat Earth movement, it might have set more accurate expectations for readers. As it stands, I would rate the book a solid high 3. The content is certainly valuable, but it feels misaligned with the expectations set by its premise.
One of the highlights of the book is Weill’s discussion of the flat Earth theory's origins, particularly how it began as a Christian biblical literalist argument. This foundational aspect is fascinating, and I appreciated how she connected the movement to other contemporary conspiracy theories, including anti-vaccine sentiments, QAnon, and the moon landing hoax. These connections underscore the fluidity of conspiracy theories and how they can coalesce around shared distrust and societal fears. However, I couldn’t help but wish for a deeper analysis of the strategic rationale behind these associations. Exploring why flat earthers have adopted these additional conspiracy theories could have added significant depth to the narrative, providing insights into the psychological and cultural dynamics at play.
In summary, "Off the Edge" is an engaging read that offers valuable historical context about the flat Earth movement. While it promises to explore the psychological underpinnings of conspiracy theories, it ultimately delivers a more historical account. With a clearer focus on the strategic connections between these beliefs, Weill’s work could have achieved a higher impact.
Kelly Weill’s "Off the Edge" offers a compelling exploration of the flat Earth movement, tracing its roots and evolution through the lens of history and societal influences. The book dives deep into the peculiar world of flat earthers, providing a comprehensive look at how this seemingly fringe belief has gained traction over the years. Weill’s narrative is both engaging and informative, making it clear that the flat Earth theory is not just a quirky belief but a phenomenon that intersects with broader conspiracy theories and societal trends.
While the book presents an intriguing historical account, it ultimately falls short of fully delivering on its promise to delve into the psychological and sociological reasons behind why people are drawn to conspiracy theories. The synopsis and title suggest an in-depth analysis of the motivations that lead individuals to embrace such beliefs, yet the organization and depth of this exploration feel lacking. Readers might expect a structured examination of these motivations, but instead, they find a more generalized historical perspective that does not sufficiently address the core question of why individuals gravitate toward these theories.
Had Weill framed the book more explicitly as a historical and evolutionary exploration of the flat Earth movement, it might have set more accurate expectations for readers. As it stands, I would rate the book a solid high 3. The content is certainly valuable, but it feels misaligned with the expectations set by its premise.
One of the highlights of the book is Weill’s discussion of the flat Earth theory's origins, particularly how it began as a Christian biblical literalist argument. This foundational aspect is fascinating, and I appreciated how she connected the movement to other contemporary conspiracy theories, including anti-vaccine sentiments, QAnon, and the moon landing hoax. These connections underscore the fluidity of conspiracy theories and how they can coalesce around shared distrust and societal fears. However, I couldn’t help but wish for a deeper analysis of the strategic rationale behind these associations. Exploring why flat earthers have adopted these additional conspiracy theories could have added significant depth to the narrative, providing insights into the psychological and cultural dynamics at play.
In summary, "Off the Edge" is an engaging read that offers valuable historical context about the flat Earth movement. While it promises to explore the psychological underpinnings of conspiracy theories, it ultimately delivers a more historical account. With a clearer focus on the strategic connections between these beliefs, Weill’s work could have achieved a higher impact.
funny
informative
medium-paced