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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
A beautiful book; one of those that everyone should read and understand before they can say they've lived.
This book is especially relevant in our current conspiracy theory riddled environment. Excellent information.
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
While also a comprehensive critique of the current pseudoscientific conditions of Western society, in this book Dr. Sagan shows us the marvelous wonders to be found in our universe. We live in dramatic times that call for a critical and radical approach to knowledge and caring for our planet.
What a fantastic read. I've read other reviews stating how they make this book a yearly read, and I understand why. Perhaps I might do the same!
What a fantastic read. I've read other reviews stating how they make this book a yearly read, and I understand why. Perhaps I might do the same!
challenging
informative
reflective
I read this because it had been quoted in several other books I read and seemed like it would be a well-written and interesting book about critical thinking and skepticism. Turns out single line quotes were the best way of reading this. The full book is endlessly repetitive, dated, and so pompous about what aren't really particularly revelatory ideas. Hey, guess what, witch trials were super fucked and aliens probably aren't real, who knew! And now, repeat that last sentence 1500 times and you've written this book.
It's also a pointless exercise because the sort of people who would benefit from reading a book like this (i.e. idiots) are never going to read it.
It's also a pointless exercise because the sort of people who would benefit from reading a book like this (i.e. idiots) are never going to read it.
Antes que nada: los dos últimos capítulos son tan importantes e interesantes que es necesario difundirlos, sí o sí.
La verdad no creo que este libro sea capaz de darle a un fanático las herramientas que tanto pregona para tener un pensamiento crítico y escéptico. Los temas tratados acá son pólvora que seguro levantan ampollas, y al comienzo es algo denso para leer. Como ya escribí, los dos últimos capítulos no solo son un resumen de toda la idea sino que condensan el espíritu de Sagan: son sensibles, van al detalle, admiran la condición humana y están escritos de una manera que son capaces de llegarle a cualquiera.
Leyendo esto recordé el How Not To Be Wrong de Jordan Ellenberg, pero obviamente Sagan tiene mucha más destreza para hablar de ciencia. Ojalá hubiera escrito un poco más sobre eso.
Qué falta hace.
La verdad no creo que este libro sea capaz de darle a un fanático las herramientas que tanto pregona para tener un pensamiento crítico y escéptico. Los temas tratados acá son pólvora que seguro levantan ampollas, y al comienzo es algo denso para leer. Como ya escribí, los dos últimos capítulos no solo son un resumen de toda la idea sino que condensan el espíritu de Sagan: son sensibles, van al detalle, admiran la condición humana y están escritos de una manera que son capaces de llegarle a cualquiera.
Leyendo esto recordé el How Not To Be Wrong de Jordan Ellenberg, pero obviamente Sagan tiene mucha más destreza para hablar de ciencia. Ojalá hubiera escrito un poco más sobre eso.
Qué falta hace.
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Quite possibly the most powerful, important book I’ve read. As someone that is pursuing a career in the science, this book has strengthened my passion for science and reminded me of its importance in our society.
Sagan wrote a rational, witty, and comprehensive book that pulls examples from throughout human history to emphasize how easily humans fall victim to fanaticism, cognitive dissonance, emotional impulsiveness, and a wealth of other detrimental behaviors. Whether its the witch hunts, UFO rumors, vaccination conspiracies, or seemingly harmless everyday superstitions, Sagan beautifully demonstrates the dangers of a society void of critical thinking and skepticism. I think Sagan’s arguments continue to be relevant particularly in the 21st century with the ubiquitousness of digital media and misinformation, and continues to be a reminder to try and maintain a clear and skeptical mind.
If I had to recommend one book out of all the books I’ve read over the course of my life, it would be this one.
Sagan wrote a rational, witty, and comprehensive book that pulls examples from throughout human history to emphasize how easily humans fall victim to fanaticism, cognitive dissonance, emotional impulsiveness, and a wealth of other detrimental behaviors. Whether its the witch hunts, UFO rumors, vaccination conspiracies, or seemingly harmless everyday superstitions, Sagan beautifully demonstrates the dangers of a society void of critical thinking and skepticism. I think Sagan’s arguments continue to be relevant particularly in the 21st century with the ubiquitousness of digital media and misinformation, and continues to be a reminder to try and maintain a clear and skeptical mind.
If I had to recommend one book out of all the books I’ve read over the course of my life, it would be this one.