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secretchoochoo's review
3.0
A quick but good read that discusses the need for more rational thinking. Science is by no means a universal truth and must constantly be questioned and iterated upon. But, it is still important that we can accept objective truths based on our current understanding when framed appropriately. To ensure objectiveness, it is important to define your biases and understand if motivators are ideological. Combining this all with numeracy can help us to make more effective decisions using science which has in every way bettered our modern lives. I'll end this with an example the author posed. 97% of climatologists agree that rapid climate change in the past few decades has been driven by humanity. Now to give an example of my own, if 32 doctors gave the same diagnosis, would you only trust the 33rd that responded with your desired result?
Overall I rated this in the middle of the road because it didn't present new revelations...but, it is a good reminder of how to have intellectual and effectual discussion and thought.
Overall I rated this in the middle of the road because it didn't present new revelations...but, it is a good reminder of how to have intellectual and effectual discussion and thought.
chsmrekar's review
4.0
I listened to this and really liked it. It's short and sweet. Leaving college, I often felt that science can often have these ingrained biases that can make certainty impossible. I like that Jim lays out many scientific truths that are unarguable though true certainty is of course not a real thing.
Good book if you stress about epistemology or knowing where your trust should lie.
Good book if you stress about epistemology or knowing where your trust should lie.
colorfulleo92's review
5.0
I was trying to write a good review but felt it got to personal. Rather basic ideas and tips with some I already knew but sometimes it's good to have it repeated in a good way.
1outside's review
3.0
I like Jim Al-Khalili a lot. Love his documentaries and his podcast, as well as his books (have by far not read all of them yet, but did read the sci-fi novel!)...as far as I can tell he's a great guy whose way of thinking I definitely share to a certain degree. (Even though I'm shit at math.)
This book, however, was an underwhelming experience. Over spring I listened to a few podcast interviews he made about it and I actually think that I didn't find any new thought here when I finally got around to reading it.
The book is an essay in short book form. Felt more like an opinion piece than anything else. (Which is hilarious, considering the subject matter.)
On the one hand, I know he's passionate about making the wider public understand the scientific way of thinking and that shows in the book as well. On the other hand, the book feels like some sort of fulfillment of a contract.
People unfamiliar with the scientific method would do well to read it. Will they? Probably not.
For the rest of us, it's kind of a sermon to the choir. (Sorry for using this analogy, Jim, in case you're reading this. I'm an atheist too.)
This book, however, was an underwhelming experience. Over spring I listened to a few podcast interviews he made about it and I actually think that I didn't find any new thought here when I finally got around to reading it.
The book is an essay in short book form. Felt more like an opinion piece than anything else. (Which is hilarious, considering the subject matter.)
On the one hand, I know he's passionate about making the wider public understand the scientific way of thinking and that shows in the book as well. On the other hand, the book feels like some sort of fulfillment of a contract.
People unfamiliar with the scientific method would do well to read it. Will they? Probably not.
For the rest of us, it's kind of a sermon to the choir. (Sorry for using this analogy, Jim, in case you're reading this. I'm an atheist too.)
pfaff's review
2.0
Here's a summary of the book (to save u reading 200 pages of high school essay-esque ramblings):
1. Cheesy preamble about rainbows
2. Science good, politics and social media bad
3. Countless, shameless plugs for his other book abt physics
1. Cheesy preamble about rainbows
2. Science good, politics and social media bad
3. Countless, shameless plugs for his other book abt physics
wildbecs's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
violethazel's review
3.5
i've realised that i've simply read too many science books to read more of this author's works. they're good, i am just not the target audience.