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kauther's review against another edition
4.0
As a member of the choir to whom Sagan is preaching, I have found this book wonderful. I am skeptical of its efficacy to persuade those who do not agree with the book a priori. Does it work to use reason to argue for reason, when the audience does not use reason? I have my doubts.
anastasiabookgirl's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
scottjp's review against another edition
5.0
An essential course in critical thinking that should be on every bookshelf, and taught in schools.
ryanteston's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
rprkrshearer's review against another edition
5.0
I love Carl Sagan. My goal is to listen to everything he’s written just to stay grounded as a person in the universe. His approach to both complicated scientific technicalities and the myriad of things unknown about the experience of being a living thing is broached with such care, intention, and specificity. I always feel like I am listening to someone I trust tell me a story about the cosmos. His writing is a treasure.
madfil's review against another edition
3.0
(24 July, 2013)
I really do think people have the right to believe whatever they want though I would ask them all to question their beliefs once in a while. This book would help everyone with the application of critical thinking to their lives. It took so long to read because I was looking everything up, double-checking Sagan's examples... you know, because I am skeptical and take very little at face value (by the way the Greek root word for skeptic means 'to consider', 'to examine').
Although this was fun to read it was also, ultimately, unsatisfying. As a hardcore skeptic it gave me very little food for thought, having your way of thinking reinforced can feel great but it does little to your overall personal growth. A person on the faith/fact fence would think this book very educational.
I really do think people have the right to believe whatever they want though I would ask them all to question their beliefs once in a while. This book would help everyone with the application of critical thinking to their lives. It took so long to read because I was looking everything up, double-checking Sagan's examples... you know, because I am skeptical and take very little at face value (by the way the Greek root word for skeptic means 'to consider', 'to examine').
Although this was fun to read it was also, ultimately, unsatisfying. As a hardcore skeptic it gave me very little food for thought, having your way of thinking reinforced can feel great but it does little to your overall personal growth. A person on the faith/fact fence would think this book very educational.