54 pages • 1 hour read
The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark
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Book Brief
459
Book • Nonfiction
1990s
1996
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Published in 1995, Carl Sagan’s The Demon-Haunted World explores scientific skepticism and critical thinking, arguing that these are essential for individuals and society amid the prevalence of pseudoscience. He debunks various pseudoscientific claims, such as UFOs and alien abductions, by applying the scientific method and presents a "Baloney Detection Kit" to help discern valid information, advocating for widespread scientific literacy and critical thinking as protections against misinformation. The book discusses sensitive topics such as childhood sexual assault and its misinterpretation in the context of pseudoscience claims.
Informative
Inspirational
Contemplative
Hopeful
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
81,911 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Carl Sagan’s The Demon-Haunted World is praised for its compelling advocacy of scientific skepticism and the importance of critical thinking. Many commend its accessibility and engaging prose. Criticisms include occasional repetition and perceived condescension towards non-scientific perspectives. Despite this, it remains a highly regarded work for promoting reason and science.
Who Should Read The Demon-Haunted World?
A reader who appreciates critical thinking, science advocacy, and inquiry would enjoy The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan. Comparable to readers of Richard Dawkins's The God Delusion and Neil deGrasse Tyson's Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, this audience values rationality and scientific literacy in combating misinformation.
81,911 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
John Mack
John Mack
A Harvard-trained psychiatrist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author who becomes known for his research on alien abduction, serving as an example of how even educated individuals can be misled by pseudoscience.
Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass
An influential 19th-century American abolitionist and orator who rose from slavery, illustrating the power of knowledge and self-made intellect in overcoming societal challenges.
Edwin Teller
Edwin Teller
A physicist involved in the development of the hydrogen bomb, whose controversial actions and disregard for ethical considerations in scientific work make him a subject of critique.
James Clerk Maxwell
James Clerk Maxwell
A Scottish mathematician and physicist celebrated for his groundbreaking equations on electricity, magnetism, and light, exemplifying the importance of free scientific experimentation.
459
Book • Nonfiction
1990s
1996
Adult
18+ years
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