milalosu's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
hollasan's review against another edition
5.0
An excellent book- one of my favourite collection of essays along with [b:The Anthropocene Reviewed|55145261|The Anthropocene Reviewed|John Green|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1616514130l/55145261._SY75_.jpg|85964970] by John Green.
The essays are divided into three broad sections. "The power and beauty of quantification" is all about numbers. Part 2 is about conservation of the earth. Some of the facts and figures in part 2 may seem dated because this book was written in the 90s, but there is still so much work to be done with respect to establishing peace in the world and conserving nature that the essays still make for a good read. Part three is where the heart and mind collide. You will find one of the most well written essays about abortion here. The essay about ethics and morality gave me so much to think about.
The little quotation that precedes each chapter is just perfectly selected. My favourite one comes before the chapter "The Gaze of God and the Dripping Faucet" in part 1.
Carl talks about his illness in the last essay and this entire book was published posthumously. This and Ann Druyan's (his wife) epilogue are so sensitive and personal - a most fitting way to end the collection.
The essays are divided into three broad sections. "The power and beauty of quantification" is all about numbers. Part 2 is about conservation of the earth. Some of the facts and figures in part 2 may seem dated because this book was written in the 90s, but there is still so much work to be done with respect to establishing peace in the world and conserving nature that the essays still make for a good read. Part three is where the heart and mind collide. You will find one of the most well written essays about abortion here. The essay about ethics and morality gave me so much to think about.
The little quotation that precedes each chapter is just perfectly selected. My favourite one comes before the chapter "The Gaze of God and the Dripping Faucet" in part 1.
"When you are risen on the eastern horizon
You have filled every land with your beauty . . .
Though you are faraway, your rays are on Earth."
Akhnaton,
Hymn to the Sun circa 1370 B.C.
Carl talks about his illness in the last essay and this entire book was published posthumously. This and Ann Druyan's (his wife) epilogue are so sensitive and personal - a most fitting way to end the collection.
Six times now have I looked Death in the face. And six times Death has averted his gaze and let me pass. Eventually, of course, Death will claim me - as he does each of us. It's only a question of when. And how.
The world is so exquisite, with so much love and moral depth, that there is no reason to deceive ourselves with pretty stories for which there's little good evidence. Far better, it seems to me, in our vulnerability, is to look Death in the eye and to be grateful everyday for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides.
jon_i634's review against another edition
4.0
Another great book from the late, great Carl Sagan. Though I think The Demon Haunted World is an overall better book, Billions & Billions is no slouch. Focusing on a variety of topics such as environmental protection, climate change, abortion, the moral implications of science, and 20th-century progress, Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan's essays are as vital as ever. Some of the information is outdated -- as to be expected from a book largely written in 1996 -- but the lessons he imparts and the questions he raises transcend time to be damningly relevant in 2020. They are largely well-written and are well argued; even if you don't agree with his conclusions, he makes a compelling case for whatever he is writing about. However, Sagan seemed to repeat himself a lot more here than in The Demon Haunted World, thus can be a little monotonous to read some of the middle chapters. What few quibbles I have with the book are almost overshadowed by the final few chapters. They were just incredible. Written towards the end of his struggle with myelodysplasia, Sagan writes with such empathy and emotion that it's hard not to get teary-eyed at points. He truly practiced what he preached until the very end. Billions & Billions is a touchingly personal and worthy capstone to the storied career of a globally influential advocate for science and reason, as well as a personal hero.
thirtytwobirds's review against another edition
3.0
Definitely a good read. Starts off a bit slow but picks up, especially toward the end.
Sagan is a great, clear writer. Not too flowery and grandiose, but not dry and boring. He really hits a nice medium between them.
Some of the book seems a bit dated after a decade and a half or so, but other parts are horrifyingly relevant even today.
Worth a read.
Sagan is a great, clear writer. Not too flowery and grandiose, but not dry and boring. He really hits a nice medium between them.
Some of the book seems a bit dated after a decade and a half or so, but other parts are horrifyingly relevant even today.
Worth a read.
lazyprojector's review against another edition
5.0
Man, there's a reason Carl Sagan is basically the gold standard of science communicators.
sara126's review against another edition
5.0
my little monkey brain loved the fact that each chapter was an essay of it’s own. would’ve given it 4 stars but the last chapter made me cry like a baby & that is a first. maybe i should learn how to process death
oldwin_oldwin's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully written book about pretty much everything. It saddens to realize that we've battled the same issues for over 20 years and we've known the issues but nothing changes.