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4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
This was a really long one, and it kept catching me and losing me in nearly equal intervals.
There was a bit about aphorisms toward the end of chapter 16 that really lost and still kinda bothers me:
“What realm of human endeavour is not morally ambiguous? Even folk institutions that purport to give us advice on behaviour and ethics seem fraught with contradictions. Consider aphorisms - haste makes waste; yes, but a stitch in time saves nine. Better safe than sorry; but nothing ventured, nothing gained. Where there's smoke, there's fire; but you can't tell a book by its cover. A penny saved is a penny earned; but you can't take it with you. He who hesitates is lost; but fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Two heads are better than one; but too many cooks spoil the broth. There was a time when people planned or justified their actions on the basis of such contradictory platitudes.“
None of these are contradictory. It’s a stretch to even link some of them. If anything, some pairs are complementary.
There was a bit about aphorisms toward the end of chapter 16 that really lost and still kinda bothers me:
“What realm of human endeavour is not morally ambiguous? Even folk institutions that purport to give us advice on behaviour and ethics seem fraught with contradictions. Consider aphorisms - haste makes waste; yes, but a stitch in time saves nine. Better safe than sorry; but nothing ventured, nothing gained. Where there's smoke, there's fire; but you can't tell a book by its cover. A penny saved is a penny earned; but you can't take it with you. He who hesitates is lost; but fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Two heads are better than one; but too many cooks spoil the broth. There was a time when people planned or justified their actions on the basis of such contradictory platitudes.“
None of these are contradictory. It’s a stretch to even link some of them. If anything, some pairs are complementary.
The tragedy of this book is that the people who need to read this the most would never actually pick it up. While written years ago it remains frighteningly relevant in this age of Fake News, Alternative Facts and othersuch doublespeak.
Really excellent book for either the curious or stubborn, not well-scientifically educated, in your life.
If Carl Sagan were alive today, he would turn in his grave.
One of the best books that I've ever read. If only this could be required reading!
For the past few years, I've been trying to explain my sense of spirituality and could never quite put it into words. Finally I've found an author that I can completely relate to. I get Carl Sagan's spirituality and the way he sees the world. Though I don't expect everyone to agree with his views, I wish people would read this and see why it's so important to think more critically, and to question everything, especially those in power.
This is such an important book. Despite the book being twenty years old, we're still battling the same issues, and thanks to people like Dr. Oz and Oprah, we're even more obsessed with pseudoscience. Paranormal shows and books still capture America's attention, our school systems still lack proper science education, and our students still lack proper critical thinking skills.
I can't help but wonder what Carl Sagan would think of our world today.
For the past few years, I've been trying to explain my sense of spirituality and could never quite put it into words. Finally I've found an author that I can completely relate to. I get Carl Sagan's spirituality and the way he sees the world. Though I don't expect everyone to agree with his views, I wish people would read this and see why it's so important to think more critically, and to question everything, especially those in power.
This is such an important book. Despite the book being twenty years old, we're still battling the same issues, and thanks to people like Dr. Oz and Oprah, we're even more obsessed with pseudoscience. Paranormal shows and books still capture America's attention, our school systems still lack proper science education, and our students still lack proper critical thinking skills.
I can't help but wonder what Carl Sagan would think of our world today.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Nothing bad to say about the book. It's me. Lol its just too much for me
Been meaning to read this for ages; so glad I finally made the time to do it. Sagan's the antithesis of that whole "never be educated beyond your faith" thing I grew up with in the good ol' Baptist church, and while I often find him dismissive of things that nourish my own soul, there's nothing quite like watching in awe as someone else watches something in awe. (In Sagan's case: The scientific study of the cosmos.)
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
A must-read if you believe in rational thinking. One of the most terrifyingly relevant books published in 1996.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Religious bigotry
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, Xenophobia
Minor: Racial slurs
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced