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wayfaring_witch's review against another edition
3.0
While this book never pulled me into it, whenever I was reading it I would constantly have to tell people interesting things I read in it.
wildeaboutoscar's review against another edition
3.0
While providing an interesting insight into the contrast between the rationality of science and the irrationality of the human mind, at times this felt somewhat disjointed. The first half was thoroughly enjoyable however and is a great introduction for those new to critical thinking and the philosophy of science.
jessicaleza's review against another edition
3.0
Some portions are stronger than others. His explanation of political beliefs got too involved in his personal beliefs for my interest. Interesting read despite some weaknesses.
There were places where he provided full citations or websites I visited that was awesome. There were other times he made statements without citation and I wondered where he came up with that fact. Sometimes I questioned whether the methodology described could actually lead to the conclusion drawn.
There were places where he provided full citations or websites I visited that was awesome. There were other times he made statements without citation and I wondered where he came up with that fact. Sometimes I questioned whether the methodology described could actually lead to the conclusion drawn.
randybo5's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting scientific explanation for why we believe as we do, most of this book was quite readable and interesting for the layperson.
caroparr's review against another edition
3.0
As it turns out, belief comes first, followed by reason. His chapter on political beliefs rings true but is pretty discouraging. Too long, but interesting.
ksbookjunky's review against another edition
5.0
I wish this were part of every school science curriculum. We would have fewer gullible folk walking around. But I digress... Shermer has a way of making science cool and demonstrating how we can apply its concepts to our lives. I don't think I will look at things the same way after this.
kahawa's review against another edition
2.0
Sloppy and repetitive. He can do better. The long history of cosmology was interesting, but hardly necessary, and the section on politics and Shermer's discovery of Libertarianism as the best political position sounded more like a campaign speech than a psychology book.
warhistory4's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Excellent book by the great Michael Shermer! Been a longtime fan of his and have listened to him on podcasts and debates for years, which is why I keep asking myself why I hadn’t read this sooner. Smart, witty, and chuck-full of information this book has it all for the curious and scientific minds out there.
celestihel's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the first half, which explained in layman's details how the human brain seeks patterns and forms beliefs in all kinds of things. It was the kind of stuff that makes you think about your own beliefs and makes you feel like you're being found out. It's kind of a rush!
But then the last bit focused entirely on theories relating to cosmology and origins of the universe, which is obviously not unrelated information, but I was in one lane and then being asked to switch to another. It was jarring, and I was left already forgetting the brain information I picked the book up for and having my brain stuck with an exhaustive history of universe origin theory. It was good information, but it wasn't the information I was going for here.
But then the last bit focused entirely on theories relating to cosmology and origins of the universe, which is obviously not unrelated information, but I was in one lane and then being asked to switch to another. It was jarring, and I was left already forgetting the brain information I picked the book up for and having my brain stuck with an exhaustive history of universe origin theory. It was good information, but it wasn't the information I was going for here.