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4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
I first read this my freshman year of college, which was *gulp* 10 years ago now. It was for a 101 level philosophy class at my poor, beaten down community college and that class + this book changed the course of my life.
While Sagan does dive a bit into debunking popular myths at the time, like alien abductions, the core purpose of this book is teaching readers the importance and skills for critical thought. Revisiting this book in early 2023 really, WHEW! We're really in it now Carl Sagan!!
While Sagan does dive a bit into debunking popular myths at the time, like alien abductions, the core purpose of this book is teaching readers the importance and skills for critical thought. Revisiting this book in early 2023 really, WHEW! We're really in it now Carl Sagan!!
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Love most of the chapters but I didn't really care for the ones where he was going through and debunking various pseudoscience topics. Probably should have picked "Pale Blue Dot" or something to read before this Carl Sagan book.
challenging
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
slow-paced
good! not my favorite science book, as it required a lot more focus than I expected to get through it. (thanks, public school) made me both more and less hopeful. on to the next.
P.S.- would reading a Bigfoot book immediately after this be hypocritical?
P.S.- would reading a Bigfoot book immediately after this be hypocritical?
This is a collection of essays.
There is much to digest here, much to say, much to understand. So, for the sake of words, I will just share this...
At its heart the book advocates finding a sense of wonder in real life. What nature is. What the mind is capable of. What our reactions are to trauma, ignorance, desperation, loneliness, awe, difference and the unknown. It shows us the devastating path a society will/could take should we shy away from education or should it refuse education to its citizens.
Interesting that it was written in 2013.
There is much to digest here, much to say, much to understand. So, for the sake of words, I will just share this...
At its heart the book advocates finding a sense of wonder in real life. What nature is. What the mind is capable of. What our reactions are to trauma, ignorance, desperation, loneliness, awe, difference and the unknown. It shows us the devastating path a society will/could take should we shy away from education or should it refuse education to its citizens.
Interesting that it was written in 2013.
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
A reflective look at how science and education has been handled in the U.S.
One of the best books I’ve ever read, especially on skepticism and the importance of critical thinking applied in all areas of our lives. Want to know, instead of believing or having faith? Sagan will show you the way, beautifully.
Got very repetative; interesting at parts, but with so many other books waiting in the wings, I never did finish this. Returned for something else.