Having watched a few Carl Sagan videos caused me to recognize and memorize the color of his voice. I've noticed that while reading the book the littleHaving watched a few Carl Sagan videos caused me to recognize and memorize the color of his voice. I've noticed that while reading the book the little voice in my head is imitating the way he speaks. Carl Sagan's voice is one of understanding and reason. It's soothing and hopeful just like the tone of this book.
Carl Sagan (1934-1996), discusses with youthful enthusiasm and optimism the possibility and probability of the existence of extraterrestrial life. Also, his personal involvement, in the NASA's Mariner space probe missions to Mars, and their rivals, the Soviet's, Venera spacecraft missions to Venus - from the preparations and obstacles to the exogeology of these planets. This topic was in more detail elaborated in Sagan's later book Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space (1994). He also discusses his skepticism towards pseudoscience, astrology and ufology in particular, which is also more thoroughly presented in his book The Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark (1996).
A very pleasant surprise was the level of concern for climate change he had 50 years ago! He states: "But we live in a time when the atmosphere of Earth is being strongly modified by the activities of Man. It is of the first importance to understand precisely what happened on Venus so that an accidental recapitulation on Earth of the runaway Venus greenhouse can be avoided." We haven't come too far since then.
Also, the idea of terraforming Mars and becoming and interplanetary species is not the idea of Elon Musk (whose work I respect). Sagan dedicates a whole chapter to terraformation with a few proposals on how to achieve it. Here's one:"...sprinkle carbon black over the caps, heat up the poles, and warm the planet. But the idea of becoming an interplanetary species was most wonderfully put by no other than the founder of astronautics, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky (1857-1935): "The Earth is a cradle of mankind, but one cannot live in the cradle forever."
The Cosmic Connection: An Extraterrestrial Perspective (1973) covers a wide range of other topics too (perhaps too many), such as whale and dolphin behavior, a few personal stories, evolutionary biology and cosmology. Which also reminds me of Sagan's other books he wrote later in his life. This brings me to the conclusion that this is an all-in-one Sagan book, which covers and discusses all of the topics Sagan was passionate about. Therefore, if you want to read one Carl Sagan book, this is the one!
The Demon-Haunted World is the 4th Carl Sagan (1934-1996) book that I've read. There is no doubt this astronomer can write. Sagan with this book has sThe Demon-Haunted World is the 4th Carl Sagan (1934-1996) book that I've read. There is no doubt this astronomer can write. Sagan with this book has shifted from his usual topic of astronomy and astrophysics to lecturing the reader against pseudoscience, superstition, and some theological teachings.
Sagan successfully debunks the pseudoscience beliefs, such as ufology, with well presented arguments (sometimes over-elaborated) as these observers or believers never demonstrate clear evidence for their extraterrestrial visitors or abductors. Sagan advises that skepticism that is usually not taught in schools should be applied when hearing such stories.
Some people that suffer from hallucinations or are prone to deceit convince themselves they saw human like faces, temples, and religious symbols in the sky, on the moon, or on other planets. In fact they are consciously or subconsciously searching for physical evidence and "signs" to support their beliefs or are gullible enough to believe (or this is a result of their illness) in the existence of a supernatural event. At times like these our rationality should takeover to distinguish truth from falsity. We have to be aware of our human fallibility, therefore, when witnessing and hearing about such occurrences we should employ a constructive evaluation of that event.
We are advised to think scientifically, following the scientific method, and to only believe in verified science data confirmed by experiments. Along with that we must not lose our capacity for critical thinking. Sagan recommends using his baloney detection kit to expose the falseness of such ideas and beliefs.
The book does not clearly introduce what this scientific doctrine or manifesto would look like or should one exist at all? Also, science and occasionally some morally ambiguous scientist do not have the best reputation. For many of us it is not clear if some scientific achievements, such as the process and development of nuclear weapons, are more of a benefit or danger to our society and existence? On the other hand, for many of us it would be difficult to find consolation and purpose in this atheistic sounding universe.
The last quarter of the book discusses, in a rather displeasing and concerning tone, the US education system and the lack of funding for science and research projects which gave a political connotation to these last couple of chapters. All in all, this book is written for the general reader and I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about pseudoscience.
Sagan's love for science is clear and this book is more like his personal statement. I have to say I agree with his arguments. On the other hand, it's perhaps our ability of imagination and fantasizing, not critical and rational thinking, what intellectually separates us from other living beings? Which in return could be an essential capability behind human scientific achievements. Therefore, pseudoscience could be viewed as an expected side effect of science. Perhaps, you can't have one without the other....more
A great summary of the evolution of the brain (intelligence) in humans and how the homo sapiens brain compares to other spieces. Very informative and A great summary of the evolution of the brain (intelligence) in humans and how the homo sapiens brain compares to other spieces. Very informative and a great read.
I've read the Ballantine Book 1977 publishing The Dragons of Eden by Carl Sagan / 288 pages / 77,454 words....more
Consider this book as Part 2 to Carl Sagan's Cosmos. If you enjoyed reading the Cosmos, then feel free to pick this one up, if you haven't read the CoConsider this book as Part 2 to Carl Sagan's Cosmos. If you enjoyed reading the Cosmos, then feel free to pick this one up, if you haven't read the Cosmos, read it first then continue with a Pale Blue Dot.
I've read the Ballantine Book 1994 Edition / Pale Blue Dot by Carl Sagan / 384 pages / 103,295 words....more
If you want to get a general understanding of the history of the Universe and the sciences that holds it together, this is an excellent book to start If you want to get a general understanding of the history of the Universe and the sciences that holds it together, this is an excellent book to start with. It's fun and informative.
I've read the 2013 Ballantine Books Trade Paperback Edition / Cosmos by Carl Sagan / 432 pages / 116,202 words....more
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