The Demon-Haunted World

Science as a Candle in the Dark

De: Carl Sagan

Narrado por: Cary Elwes, Seth MacFarlane

A prescient warning of a future we now inhabit, where fake news stories and Internet conspiracy theories play to a disaffected American populace

“A glorious book... A spirited defense of science... From the first page to the last, this book is a manifesto for clear thought.” - Los Angeles Times

How can we make intelligent decisions about our increasingly technology-driven lives if we don’t understand the difference between the myths of pseudoscience and the testable hypotheses of science? Pulitzer Prize-winning author and distinguished astronomer Carl Sagan argues that scientific thinking is critical not only to the pursuit of truth but to the very well-being of our democratic institutions.

Casting a wide net through history and culture, Sagan examines and authoritatively debunks such celebrated fallacies of the past as witchcraft, faith healing, demons, and UFOs. And yet, disturbingly, in today's so-called information age, pseudoscience is burgeoning with stories of alien abduction, channeling past lives, and communal hallucinations commanding growing attention and respect. As Sagan demonstrates with lucid eloquence, the siren song of unreason is not just a cultural wrong turn but a dangerous plunge into darkness that threatens our most basic freedoms.

Praise for The Demon-Haunted World

“Powerful... A stirring defense of informed rationality... Rich in surprising information and beautiful writing.” - The Washington Post Book World

“Compelling.” - USA Today

“A clear vision of what good science means and why it makes a difference... A testimonial to the power of science and a warning of the dangers of unrestrained credulity.” - The Sciences

“Passionate.” - San Francisco Examiner-Chronicle

©1996 Carl Sagan (P)2017 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

MUST READ

One of the most fundamentally important books I've ever read. No less relevant than it was 20 years ago.

Excellent!

The book its self was amazing. Sagan takes us from the obvious woo and crack pots through more and more subtle and pervasive uses of skepticism.

He does it all with such grace and heart; not in any mean spirited way. He really paints a picture of the value of thinking critically for the individual, the society and even the entire race.

The narration was perfect too. The primary narrator reminded me of Richard Dawkins. And obviously Seth McFarland was create too.

This is the type of reading that, if more broadly done, would change society. Read it.

Science manifesto

It is a little long book on why we need science, and nobody who disagrees will ever read it, but it gives a lot of ammunition to science defenders if they ever want to rush in its defence. The book is well researched, full of facts and stories, and one feels enlightened just by reading it.

Should be required reading for all of humanity.

This book gives you the tools to navigate today's world. It gives the reader a skill set that allows them to question everything they know and learn.

Dated but Good

I really enjoyed this book for the most part. However, it seems that the preoccupation with alien abductions was much greater during the early 90s then I was ever aware. The latter half of the book that focuses more on Science and its benefits is much more interesting and enjoyable.

Must read!

An extraordinary review of ideas mankind once thought to be true, but were not! how they shaped our past and present and some light about how to shape our future!

Fantastic book

Fantastic book, that covers both history and the methods of science. Great narration and reading.

Chicken Soup for the Rational Soul

Chicken Soup for the Agnostic Soul. This book should be required reading for general education.

The narration by Cary and Seth is one of best listening experiences on Audible 👍🏻

wonderful book and worth the read

get or keep your critical thinking skills at their absolute best by reading this book

great book

Everyone should read this. All the humans, at least. Tortoises may be exempt from such.