Starry Messenger

Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization

By: Neil deGrasse Tyson

Narrated by: Neil deGrasse Tyson

Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

This program is read by the author, world-renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Bringing his cosmic perspective to civilization on Earth, Neil deGrasse Tyson shines new light on the crucial fault lines of our time—war, politics, religion, truth, beauty, gender, and race—in a way that stimulates a deeper sense of unity for us all.

In a time when our political and cultural views feel more polarized than ever, Tyson provides a much-needed antidote to so much of what divides us, while making a passionate case for the twin chariots of enlightenment—a cosmic perspective and the rationality of science.

After thinking deeply about how science sees the world and about Earth as a planet, the human brain has the capacity to reset and recalibrates life’s priorities, shaping the actions we might take in response. No outlook on culture, society, or civilization remains untouched.

With crystalline prose, Starry Messenger walks us through the scientific palette that sees and paints the world differently. From insights on resolving global conflict to reminders of how precious it is to be alive, Tyson reveals, with warmth and eloquence, an array of brilliant and beautiful truths that apply to us all, informed and enlightened by knowledge of our place in the universe.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company. 

©2022 Neil deGrasse Tyson (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

Optimistic

Look, I know the world has many problems. I'm a therapist and I've listened to many books about racism, misogyny, politics, poverty, mental health etc....but this book is a great break from it all.

The book gives us a cosmic perspective on our problems and on the topics that we hear about daily like politics and gender identity por example. Neil doesn't do this by being condescending or trying to explain his "views" on any topic. He talks about science, progress and the Cosmos in SIMPLE and optimistic terms and gently asks us to think about our place in the history of the universe when discussing our differences and problems.

The topics covered range from race and gender to conflict resolution and politics. I didn't feel any agenda being pushed. I just gained a more objective perspective.

Also, Neil reads the book himself! I felt like I was in my own personal Cosmos voyage when I put on the headphones. He's the best science communicator in my opinion.

Mini rant about high horse intellectuals:

I say he's the best communicator because I'm finishing my PhD and I see daily how academics think they explain things well when they're really being obtuse. I've also seen how some criticize Neil for not being active in research from their ivory tower. Astrophysics is one of the filelds that almost NOBODY cares about so academics should be grateful for people like Neil, Sean Carroll, Carlo Rovielli and others educating the public about this topics. Science communication is an art and Neil is the master.

YES!

Finally NDT is reading his own work! For non-fiction books the author should narrate their own books. Plus NDT has that voice. If he went back through his books and recorded them again with his narration, I'd buy them again.

The book itself is a wonderful stroll through overall science topics and astrophysics. It's all so crazy interesting and easy to take in regardless of a person's science literacy level. It's a sheer pleasure to listen to for both narration and content.

Of the highest recommendation.

PS I imagine that if I ever had the chance to have a few long conversations with Dr. Tyson where he wasn't on stage and could be less guarded, this book is what I'd likely hear from him. It's great to hear him be more like the people I hang out with, but a whole lot more intelligent. I'd want to cover this wide range of topics and get his thoughts on them, but not necessarily in a made for PBS kind of delivery. This is just a guess, of course.

His biggest asset

He’s got brains, he’s got knowledge (hard earned)
But his greatest skill is sharing what he knows with us so we get it and enjoy it

Chapter Six stole the show

I haven’t laughed this hard in while,the last 10 mins of chapter 6 definitely my faves. Love everything NDT, I thought Accessory to War was his magnum opus, I was wrong, this is it so far, Great human time to be alive.

Lovely scientific and logical rants

This is my first review on here. it is refreshing to hear someone think so logically. I really wish I had more people like Neil in my life to converse with!

I love NdGT. This was 'okay'

As a subscriber to Star Talk, and having listened to many of his books, this was a rehash of many ideas and opinions. It was his editorial opportunity, for vax, race, life and climate. All good topics but not much that hasn't already been heard if you're a follower of him, his other outlets or peers.

I love you, Neil! (In an admiring, non-creepy way)

I love all the books Neil has written and read on Audible. Keep up the inspiring work, Dr. Tyson! You are true, shining stardust, worthy of the title. <3 :D

Big thoughts for the little people of aPaleBlueDot

Very intersting. This isn't a physics book or an astrophysics book either, nor cosmology. It's about the things we think about and do and the perspectives we come from and maybe what they should be. I like to hear his thoughts on various topics. I don't always agree, but I know with Dr Tyson it'll usually be a well thought out idea based on science and data.

Perfection

This should replace the Bible as a compass for moral navigation! I love you, NdGT

another awesome book by an amazing man

I loved all of the money intellectual thought experiments that he presented and I just genuinely enjoy the way he reads his own writing.