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The Demon-Haunted World

Science as a Candle in the Dark

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The Demon-Haunted World

Written by: Carl Sagan
Narrated by: Cary Elwes, Seth MacFarlane
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About this listen

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.
Astronomy & Space Science Science Mathematics Astronomy Thought-Provoking Magic Witchcraft Middle Ages Mythology
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Carl Sagan was my childhood hero. He was a science communicator that made understanding very complicated ideas relatable and easy. Demon-Haunted World explains how critical thinking is absolutely essential to avoid being bamboozled, and to make everything from science, democracy, and day to day life, better.

should be required reading for everyone.

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excellent. modern, even though it was written more than 25 years ago. Makes us understand how people act the way they act till this day.

it's like it was written today

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Having read this book many years ago and thoroughly enjoying it then. It was a treat to have it read to me so I could relive the experience hands free.

A fantastic and wondrous ride.

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I loved this book, legendary description of the value of science and also of keeping an open mind. Still holds up, maybe now more than ever as critical reading to bridge disagreements.

life changing

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I enjoyed the explanation of logical fallacies. The section on witch burning and how a similar mentality could arise again was interesting.

This was a good book.

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