A prescient warning of a future we now inhabit, where fake news stories and Internet conspiracy theories play to a disaffected American populace " A glorious book . . . A spirited defense of science . . . From the first page to the last, this book is a manifesto for clear thought."-- Los Angeles Times How can we make intelligent decisions about our increasingly technology-driven lives if we don't understand the difference between the myths of pseudoscience and the testable hypotheses of science? Pulitzer Prize ...
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A prescient warning of a future we now inhabit, where fake news stories and Internet conspiracy theories play to a disaffected American populace " A glorious book . . . A spirited defense of science . . . From the first page to the last, this book is a manifesto for clear thought."-- Los Angeles Times How can we make intelligent decisions about our increasingly technology-driven lives if we don't understand the difference between the myths of pseudoscience and the testable hypotheses of science? Pulitzer Prize-winning author and distinguished astronomer Carl Sagan argues that scientific thinking is critical not only to the pursuit of truth but to the very well-being of our democratic institutions. Casting a wide net through history and culture, Sagan examines and authoritatively debunks such celebrated fallacies of the past as witchcraft, faith healing, demons, and UFOs. And yet, disturbingly, in today's so-called information age, pseudoscience is burgeoning with stories of alien abduction, channeling past lives, and communal hallucinations commanding growing attention and respect. As Sagan demonstrates with lucid eloquence, the siren song of unreason is not just a cultural wrong turn but a dangerous plunge into darkness that threatens our most basic freedoms. Praise for The Demon-Haunted World "Powerful . . . A stirring defense of informed rationality. . . Rich in surprising information and beautiful writing." -- The Washington Post Book World "Compelling." -- USA Today "A clear vision of what good science means and why it makes a difference. . . . A testimonial to the power of science and a warning of the dangers of unrestrained credulity." -- The Sciences "Passionate." -- San Francisco Examiner-Chronicle
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Add this copy of The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the to cart. $2.98, good condition, Sold by Read&Dream rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from SAINT LOUIS, MO, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Ballantine Books.
Add this copy of The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the to cart. $3.33, fair condition, Sold by tLighthouseBooks rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Onekama, MI, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Ballantine Books.
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Fair. Reading copy. May have signs of wear and previous use (scuffs, library copy, highlighting, writing, and underlining). Dust jacket may be missing. 100% GUARANTEE! Shipped with delivery confirmation. If you're not satisfied with purchase please return item for full refund.
Add this copy of The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the to cart. $3.34, good condition, Sold by Seattle Goodwill rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Seattle, WA, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Ballantine Books.
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May have some shelf-wear due to normal use. Your purchase funds free job training and education in the greater Seattle area. Thank you for supporting Goodwill's nonprofit mission!
Add this copy of The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the to cart. $3.35, good condition, Sold by Goodwill of Colorado rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Ballantine Books.
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This item is in overall good condition. Covers and dust jackets are intact but may have minor wear including slight curls or bends to corners as well as cosmetic blemishes including stickers. Pages are intact but may have minor highlighting/ writing. Binding is intact; however, spine may have slight wear overall. Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Minor shelf wear overall. Please note that all items are donated goods and are in used condition. Orders shipped Monday through Friday! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
Add this copy of The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the to cart. $4.50, good condition, Sold by Books End Bookshop rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from SYRACUSE, NY, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Ballantine Books.
Add this copy of The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the to cart. $4.86, fair condition, Sold by Goodwill Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hillsboro, OR, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Ballantine Books.
Add this copy of The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the to cart. $5.52, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Ruby rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Ballantine Books.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the to cart. $5.52, very good condition, Sold by HPB Inc. rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Ballantine Books.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the to cart. $5.84, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Ruby rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Ballantine Books.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the to cart. $5.84, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Diamond rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Ballantine Books.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
I have to say that the book arrived in very good condition, it said very good and it really is almost like new, the dust jacket is the only thing that looks a little used but it is still in great condition. In fact I was surprised and it cost 13 dollars plus shipping 29 dollars and a new one in almost the same condition was on amazon for 50 dollars, so if I had to choose I prefer to buy very good than new since it greatly reduces the value and the condition is very Similary
the bad thing is that it arrived on November 14, a day late
John E
Sep 17, 2014
Well done, on time and good condition, thank you a
all good thank you. On time, fine condition, good value for money, feel done and thank you - John.
Robert
Sep 13, 2014
14 year old book relevant today
Sagan doesn't think the human race has much chance of surviving, due to its misuse of modern technology. Too many humans are greedy, fearful, gullible, and lazy thinkers. They are enraptured by the worst specimens of humanity, by Hitler, Popes, royalty, CEOs, political leaders like Mao, Stalin, Pol Pot, Qadaffi, Hussain, bin Laden, George W. Bush, Ronald Regan, George III, and on and on. These leaders are bent on genocide, and through fear and intimidation, get their way. The result is our squandered environment, endless wars, and mistreatment of the weak. Given the constant progression of pollution, and reliance on mass production by the poorly paid, since the industrial revolution 200 years ago, the human race appears to have tipped the balance too far toward near universal destruction for any recovery. Most of today's incredible technology is being used for death and destruction, and human creativity is being stifled by those who hold the power, with violence, forced ignorance and promotion of superstition. Indeed, Sagan's candle of science shows a way out, but its probably too late until catastrophes mount to the point of near human extinction. Maybe then a more evolved homo sapien will value logic over faith and fear, and enjoy learning and the exchange of ideas over blood sports like football, alcohol and drugs, grotesque materialism, greed, envy, and the supernatural.
Warnepiece
Nov 28, 2013
The dark ages were overcome by reason
A very interesting and thought provoking book. While Carl Sagan's writing style at times is a bit stiff and unimaginative, his passion for science is not. Had it not been for (primarily) religion, we'd have made it to the moon by the 14th century. Sagan argues for more science, more exposure to reasoned thinking, and sparking early interest in scientific fields, and the reliance on facts to guide our lives (not superstition) to examine and explain the world around us. As a species, we get nowhere when we pursue pseudo-intellectual nonsense such as astrology, religion, worshipping and promoting the supernatural, and making up stories to explain whatever we don't understand. Science is the candle that led us out of the dark ages (which was dominated by the church), and gave us applicable electricity, automobiles, telephones, aviation, space flight, medicine, life-saving drugs, and computers. When religion had power, we had witch burnings, the Inquisition, and wars to exterminate anyone who didn't believe the same way as the leaders of the church. Which has benefited us more? Carl Sagan makes it easy to see why science is not just the best route; its the only one.
neo1233
Mar 27, 2012
Theoretical Sp[in
I would have to say that the precept of the scientific theory is pretty much correct...as confirmed when a student of doctoral study in psychology...i would say though that science can be an answer but can also be the problem when it becomes so enamored with itself as to ignore any other answers that are out there...therefore, i would say read with an open mind and add to your stack of knowledge (so to speak) in order to become the best thinker you are capable of...
