Ben Truong's Reviews > Cosmic Connection: An Extraterrestrial Perspective

Cosmic Connection: An Extraterrestrial Perspective is an anthology of essays or scientific papers written by Carl Sagan and edited by Jerome Agel. In this particular edition, there are also contributors from Ann Druyan, Freeman Dyson, and David Morrison. This anthology explores humanity's place in the grand scheme of things – in a galactic or even universal sense.

Carl Sagan covers several topics, and focuses mainly on the possibility of extra-terrestrial intelligence, the likelihood of the existence of more advanced civilizations, and their distribution in the local galaxy, and in the universe. He describes the hypothetical opinions of more advanced intelligence and their views of the Earth, as well as communication with humankind.

For the most part, I really like most of these essays – if not all of them. Carl Sagan has the unique ability to take complex scientific concepts and ideas and dilute them down so simply that a nonprofessional could understand. He does it in such a manner that does not sound condescending, but rather approached everything in a quiet humble manner. Like most anthologies, there are weaker contributions, but I think this one might be an exception to the rule, because I generally liked this book.

All in all, Cosmic Connection: An Extraterrestrial Perspective is a wonderful anthology about humanity's place in the universe.