The Demon-Haunted World

Science as a Candle in the Dark

By: Carl Sagan

Narrated by: Cary Elwes, Seth MacFarlane

Length: 17 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

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

©1996 Carl Sagan (P)2017 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Question yourself

Timeless. Some of the topics might seem dated, but the essence shall always be valid.

Wow could have been written in 2020

Nearly 20 years later Carl Sagan writing provides insight that still applies in today’s chaotic world.

Sagan at his best

Sagan simply and in matter of fact approach addresses belief, faith, etc. loved this book.

enlightening

I expected something different from Carl Sagan - but was pleasantly surprised. Carl managed to change my perspective on many things in this book. His hardcore scientific approach to the unexplained, yet sensitive treatment of religion, superstition and down-right ignorance makes this a profoundly effective exercise in unpacking the unexplained.

A worth-while read for those who believe in demons, aliens and UFO's as well as those who don't. The key take away that Carl tries to get across is for people to use their ability to think and reason when it comes to the un-understood. In many cases, he even adds to the credibility of some phenomenon in a very scientific way - even though it is merely positioning an alternative unexplained hypothesis.

A very well structured and insightful nugget that Carl left us with.

Must read.

I liked it so much I'm buying a hard copy, great book. Carl Sagan was a student of humanities and a great scientist and thinker.

wonderful book

An even more relevant book now tban when it was published. Ignorance and freedom cannot coexist

Very accessible and poignant

Great read. Impressively relevant for a book 21 year old book. Cary Elwes narrating is a big plus.

Carl Sagan makes you think

Dr. Sagan explores so many interesting topics and gives me lots to think about. I wish he was still with us because I would love to hear his views on this crazy world! This was very well narrated and produced. Would recommend to anyone who likes to read/listen to science and Neil DeGrasse Tyson (also a great speaker).

Leaves you with a lot to think about.

after listening to this selection Carl Sagan left me with a lot to think about regarding our world and our education and beliefs.

What everyone should know

Overall: The contents of this book, while a little understandably dated, is what every American should be familiar with. Narration can be difficult but 5 stars because of the material. This should be required reading in schools. This should not be limited to the US though, anyone would benefit greatly from the material and specially the boloney detection kit.

Performance: Carey Else's is very articulate but his sing songy performance makes the material difficult to comprehend and pay attention to at times. Seth MacFarlane was amazing for his two chapters. I think it would have been better if they had more narrators to break up the chapters.

Story: Overall excellent. I did have troubles with material but that may been likely to the narration.