The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark
by Carl Sagan, Ann Druyan
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Book Summary Information
Author: Ann Druyan, Carl SaganEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1997-02-25
ISBN: 0345409469
Number of pages: 480
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780345409461
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark
Book Review: --Both Challenges and Incorporates "New Age" Thinking --
Summary: 5 Stars
World-renowned astronomer Carl Sagan-- who died of cancer not long ago-- has written a book which is both challenging and inspiring to anyone who has ever questioned "New Age" methods and findings, and perhaps especially to those who haven't. Yet his book is likely to be one which many in the New Age community would overlook, to their own peril. Sagan is relentlessly scientific, and simultaneously embraces with warmth the concept of spirituality. I find it both impressive and intriguing that his "defense" of science is both intensely inspiring and even lyrical. Sagan makes it clear that, far from intending to invalidate spiritual viewpoints, he sees science and spirituality as not only complimentary, but mutually reinforcing. Sagan himself notes that he has often been misunderstood. His disappointment that he can find no evidence to support the idea of extraterrestrial existence and other paranormal phenomena is palpable. He sincerely wants to believe that he could, say, communicate with his dead parents, whom he dearly misses. It's simply that he finds no evidence for this. On matters of the paranormal, Sagan might best be desribed as AGNOSTIC. He passionately advocates development of our openness as well as our skepticism, while always maintaining a sense of reverence and wonder. Part of Sagan's purpose is to debunk pseudoscience-- of which he includes much of New Age thinking --even as he deepens our appreciation of science. So why would anyone in the New Age community wish to read it, let alone deem it valuable, let alone crucial for the expansion of the New Age Movement? Because Sagan injects clear-headed thinking and a critical eye to many New Age claims. He enlightens us as to where New Age thinking corresponds to verifiable "external reality," and where it falls short. Perhaps even more importantly, he show us how the Scientific Method can be used to weigh the evidence, so that we are free to draw our own conclusions based on verifiable criteria. This can only strengthen our self-trust, our commitment, and our resolve to pursue our ideals along certain lines. It seems to me that the more New Age ideas can be validated in our own eyes as well as the eyes of the rest of the community, the more acceptance these ideas will gain. The New Age Movement comprises a broad spectrum, and advocates ideas promoting inner and outer peace; more humane social, political, and economic institutions; mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health and well-being; personal growth and wisdom; and of course more loving and fulfilling relationships. But New Age Believers, take heart! For an interesting contrast, try checking out Michael Talbot's THE HOLOGRAPHIC UNIVERSE, which purports to scientifically explain the paranormal. The latter is another wonderful book and excellent counterpoint to Sagan's. Sagan's book is fascinating, informative, enlightening and thought-provoking. His book adds a valuable and possibly crucial contribution to our understanding and ability to evaluate certain Human Potential endeavors. Reading it could only be a boon for the New Age community.
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