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Billions & Billions: Thoughts on Life and Death at the Brink of the Millennium by Carl Sagan
alreadyemily's review against another edition
4.0
Though the book is now pretty dated at nearly 20 years old, I still recommend a read. Much, though not all, of the science is still sound and even then, it is a snapshot of where we were in the mid-90s. Nearly all of the philosophy and so, so many of the worldwide challenges are still entirely relevant. Carl remains an inspiration long after his death.
rprkrshearer's review against another edition
4.0
As ever, Carl Sagan confronts the mysteries of the universe through the intersections of science and religion, but his approach to the climate crisis is frighteningly apt despite this being written in the late 90s... maybe if Carl were here today, more of his vision of a sustainable planet and future would be closer within reach.
jasonlee77's review against another edition
5.0
As I always think when I finish one of his books; few who have ever put pen to paper have ever been more wise or knowledgeable than Carl Sagan
chaosetc's review against another edition
4.0
I'll always appreciate Sagan's good natured logic. He doesn't beat you over the head with it, but rather takes your hand and walks you down the path.
Many topics discussed in this book sound dated because they are tied to current events at the time of writing. However, the topics are still highly relevant, so don't let the publication year dissuade you. I'll admit the text does get a bit dry at times. I guess being reasonable can't always be exciting.
My favorite chapter was probably the one on game theory. That and when he finally said Billions and Billions for real.
Beware that last step, it's a doozy. The end of the book takes on a much more personal tone, and it's a gut punch even when you know what's coming.
Many topics discussed in this book sound dated because they are tied to current events at the time of writing. However, the topics are still highly relevant, so don't let the publication year dissuade you. I'll admit the text does get a bit dry at times. I guess being reasonable can't always be exciting.
My favorite chapter was probably the one on game theory. That and when he finally said Billions and Billions for real.
Beware that last step, it's a doozy. The end of the book takes on a much more personal tone, and it's a gut punch even when you know what's coming.
analulopez's review against another edition
5.0
"There are some..who think that the number of (grains of) sand is infinite...There are some who, without regarding it as infinite, yet think no number has been named which is great enough...But I will try to show you (numbers that) exceed not only the number of the mass of sand equal of the Earth filled up..but also that of a mass equal in magnitude to the Universe." -Archimedes (CA. 287-212 B.C.) The Sand-Reckoner
whimsicalmeerkat's review against another edition
4.0
Brilliant in the way Sagan so often was, this collection is also even more personal and shows even more insight into the person he was than the other things I have read. One of the pieces that stands out in my mind, perhaps because it was a topical departure than his normal material, is a piece he and his wife wrote regarding abortion and at what point, scientifically, it could be said life begins. I do not agree with everything in the article, but the way in which is was written is something I very much respect. While there was definitely a point they had to make, I do not feel that anything was done to push science to fit it. With that explosive topic, that can't be said of most other work of the kind.
kcrouth's review against another edition
5.0
Billions and Billions is a collection of essays and other short writings on various topics by Dr. Sagan. This was his last book, published posthumously. Topics range from science to the environment to technology to philosophical and moral questions related to humans past, present, and future existence. This book is not a deep dive into any of these subjects, but in true Sagan form, is infused through and through with his vast knowledge and profound wisdom. When we lost Dr. Sagan in 1996, the world lost one of the greatest minds and hearts of the 20th century. The chasm left behind is vast, and so needs to be filled. This is a great collection, and perhaps a great introduction to Dr. Sagan.
fbole's review against another edition
3.75
• 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 every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides. - Carl Sagan (Billions and Billions, pg 258)