Should be mandatory for ALL high school and college studentsOctober 3, 1997 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Is one of the best books I have ever read on any subject. The book makes everyone think about the subjects that they hold dear to themselves and challenges us to put them to the scrutiny of the scientific system. Teaches the reader how to think on a scientific level, and stresses the importance of everyone having a general knowlege of science, rather then a few people that excel in the subject. An excellent "general reference" book, I have it listed in 4 of the five bibliographies I have written in the last year. A must for all... We will all miss you Dr. Sagan.
An Insightful Book From One of the World's Best ScientistOctober 1, 1997 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is an insightful look into the credulity that has and does plague humankind. Dr. Sagan uses past and present examples to show that superstitious and uninformed beliefs continue to be propagated even as our knowledge of reality increases. Dr. Sagan makes a plea for science to hold firmly to the scientific method, which illuminates the way for understanding reality. Without such a method, discernment is not possible and humankind is doomed to gullibility and wishful existence. Dr. Sagan makes a special plea to scientists and politicians to focus on informing the public on the essence and utility of science; and how it can give them the tools they need to move beyond ancient myths and into the modern age of science and discovery.
Read Cosmos first, then DHW.September 19, 1997 3 out of 4 found this review helpful
Really a sequel to Cosmos, I think, and a very worthy sequel at that. Someday both books may be considered 20th-century phenomena, if only for their astonishing rarity. Centuries from now, assuming humankind survives, Sagan's philosophy will almost certainly be closer to the prevailing worldview than any similar works of our time. So few people today--even writers--seem able to differentiate between reality and superstition, and fewer still manage to do so while maintaining a sense of balance and wonder about the two worlds of science and myth. On the subject of myth only, I believe the late Joseph Campbell came close, but even he could have learned a great deal about that subject from Dr. Sagan. I wish everyone on earth would read this book
Amazing...truly an eye opener!!!September 16, 1997 This is the best book I've read in ages. I recommend it to everyone...no exceptions. Upon reading it, the reader will find himself free of the chains of his irrational beliefs. He will wonder why he believed in such non-sense, when reason and logic points the other way. It's truly an amazing book. It's true...the truth REALLY sets you free!!!
Don't be a fool.......be a skepticSeptember 12, 1997 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This book should serve as an inspiration to us all. Carl Sagan does an outstanding job explaining the dangers of pseudoscience. His writing style is both humble and respectful. Although Sagan himself does not beleive in things like aliens, faith healing, astrology, etc., he is sympathetic to those who do. There are no negative words or personal attacks on people. I still find myself reaching for this book from the shelf to provide myself with a source of inspiration. This book can be summarized with the following statement: Be skeptical- If something sounds outrageous, it probably is
