The Demon-haunted World
Nov 5, 2009 Religion and Ethics, Science and Technology, Skeptical books
If there’s one book that is the original sceptical guide this is it. I’m almost certain that everyone from Richard Dawkins to James Randi and all the associated members of todays “sceptical celebrities” have been influenced by this book.
It was written in the mid 90’s and as a result it’s starting to show it’s age. The internet wasn’t fully realised or considered a worthwhile resource and often there’s criticism of things that if anything have led to the opening of minds like sci-fi flicks.
However the book does cover all the angles from cults to UFO’s, crop circles to religion. It’s a very easy read and is probably ideal for younger readers and those that still have holes in their sceptical thinking.
There are better, more up to date books than this, but Sagan is one of my favourite writers in popular science and his books are very enjoyable to read. Perhaps my favourite section is the list of gruelling ways people were forced in to confessing during the Spanish Inquisition and why it became such a popular past time for the church.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:54 am
I watched Cosmos as a kid. I loved it so much; it was a great influence on me. I hope to read this book soon. RIP.
November 6th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Wonderful book, introduces the scientific method and clearly sets out the rules for logic and rationality. Despite its age, the book is still a key tool in spotting ‘baloney’. Every child should sit an end-of-year exam on this book.
November 6th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
“It’s a very easy read and is probably ideal for younger readers” – thank you for pointing this out in your review. It’s made me want to read the book now as I was always under the impression that Sagan’s writing was rather difficult to navigate.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
I think this book should be requred reading for teachers, parents, children, politicians and, well, everyone else, really. While it wasn’t a paradigm-shifting book for me (I’m sure it would have been if I had read it when I was in my early teens), the topics it covers and the style in which it is written make it easily accessible without being condescending, and provides the willing reader with the tools for clear and critical thinking.
Taken in tandem with Sagan’s Cosmos TV series (or indeed, book), you will be filled with wonder and awe at the magnificence of the natural world, without having to cheapen it with ghost stories.
(I have against ghost stories until they start mascarading as truth.)
November 6th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
whoops, I missed out the word “nothing” in between “have” and “against” in that last sentence. Sorry about that…
November 7th, 2009 at 11:24 am
I just finished reading this, and I can recommend it to all free thinkers!
November 19th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Michelle: I think one of the best things about Sagan is his ability to write for non-experts without being patronising. Just look at Cosmos, where he explains astronomy for non-physicists. That’s awesome.