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4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
Carl Sagan invites every kind of argument and contends with them pretty honestly. What is more, he clearly lays down the logic required for us to do it on our own. He is well-read and quotes almost everything he talks about. He goes to the extreme to convince people about his point. Must read for anyone. I feel more sensible after reading this.
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
informative
informative
slow-paced
Science: why we need it.
Through a path riddled with mythology, pseudoscience, religion, and UFOs, Sagan lays out a manifesto for science. Not only is it the antidote to debunking the claims of charlatans and swindlers, but in his opinion the savior of freedom and democracy. Given the author's position as an astronomer, it's no surprise that the alien abduction and UFO cases are the bulk of his reference material for the first third of the book, but everything said there applies equally as well to astrology and other New Age scams. From there, he moves on into a vehement argument for science, popularization rather than elitism, and the state of science education in our schools. (Spoiler: it's not good.) The final chapters become more political, but it was an eye-opener even for me, thinking of the rational, skeptical mind as something useful not just in scientific pursuits but as a tool to ensure we continue to enjoy the freedoms we do today.
I'm glad I picked this up again, I think when I tried (and failed) years ago to get started on it I was just not in the right frame of mind.
Through a path riddled with mythology, pseudoscience, religion, and UFOs, Sagan lays out a manifesto for science. Not only is it the antidote to debunking the claims of charlatans and swindlers, but in his opinion the savior of freedom and democracy. Given the author's position as an astronomer, it's no surprise that the alien abduction and UFO cases are the bulk of his reference material for the first third of the book, but everything said there applies equally as well to astrology and other New Age scams. From there, he moves on into a vehement argument for science, popularization rather than elitism, and the state of science education in our schools. (Spoiler: it's not good.) The final chapters become more political, but it was an eye-opener even for me, thinking of the rational, skeptical mind as something useful not just in scientific pursuits but as a tool to ensure we continue to enjoy the freedoms we do today.
I'm glad I picked this up again, I think when I tried (and failed) years ago to get started on it I was just not in the right frame of mind.
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
A slightly disappointing read. Several essays were very interesting and engaging but, as a whole, the book just didn't gel for me.
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
As a latecomer to Sagan, I am absolutely enamored of his mind and the clarity of thought he possesses. The way heâs able to effectively communicate the value and importance of science and skepticism / critical thinking as it relates to a variety of sociological areas - with obvious passion balanced by level-headedness, and in a style that is eminently readable and compelling to the layman - is endlessly impressive, and quite appreciated. One can only wish more people today were being exposed to and absorbing perspectives like his.