The Varieties of Scientific Experience

A Personal View of the Search for God

By: Carl Sagan, Ann Druyan - editor

Narrated by: Adrienne C. Moore, Ann Druyan

Length: 7 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Carl Sagan's prophetic vision of the tragic resurgence of fundamentalism and the hope-filled potential of the next great development in human spirituality

The late great astronomer and astrophysicist describes his personal search to understand the nature of the sacred in the vastness of the cosmos. Exhibiting a breadth of intellect nothing short of astounding, Sagan presents his views on a wide range of topics, including the likelihood of intelligent life on other planets, creationism and so-called intelligent design, and a new concept of science as "informed worship". Originally presented at the centennial celebration of the famous Gifford Lectures in Scotland in 1985 but never published, this book offers a unique encounter with one of the most remarkable minds of the twentieth century.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2006 Democritus Properties, LLC. (P)2017 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

very relevant

a must read to help with current times. this gave me hope while explaining some mindsets.

Sagan's lectures about the possibility of God

This audio book is mostly a transcript of Sagan's Gifford lectures from 1985, where Sagan discusses his views on the question of if there is a deity. According to Druyan (from the appendix), she felt the need to publish these now with the growing “extreme fundamentalism violence” and when the United States is in a state of “phony piety”. I partly assume this book was published a few years ago to cash in on the new Cosmos series and the then huge popularity of the new atheist literature. Compared to the modern new atheist movement, this book is far less of an anti-religious polemic but more of a discussion about why when Sagan looks up at night he doesn't see the work of a interventionist deity. (For this reason, I think the book might be a better introduction to some reasons why there might not be a god, than something like End of Faith).

As for the book itself, a major reason Sagan doesn't believe in a god is because of the vastness of space. I can see his point, take a minute watch a youtube video or get a book such as Sizing up the Universe which shows the sizes of the planets relative to the sun and the sun relative to some of the large stars. The earth is just a minor spec in our solar system and our solar system is just a spec in our galaxy and our galaxy is just one of hundreds of billions of galaxies. It definitely puts things into a different perspective, it could cause a loss of faith. If everything was created by a deity and humans were the culmination of creation, then everything else sure seems like a waste. Of course to a theist this could have the opposite effect and confirm how magnificent god is, it all depends on your mindset.

The book is far more than just this one argument though and I don't want to list them all out now. I enjoyed it a bunch, I really liked the Q&A where Sagan was questioned by theists and while disagreeing with them, he seemed to at least respect their opinion and give real answers. This is the least offensive agnostic/atheist book I've read. As for the arguments and book itself, I previously read Pale Blue Dot which contained many of the same arguments (although not as focused), and really if you've read then many parts of this are redundant.

The narration is like the other Sagan books on Audible, it's not world class but average and get's the job done.

Also I wrote this during 20 anniversary stuff so:

Audible 20 Review Sweepstakes Entry

Extraordinary!

Absolutely fabulous narration by Adrienne C. Moore, made Carl Sagan’s scientifically beautiful and profound thoughts come to my ears as if he was speaking by my side. Fantastic book!

Billions And Billions.....

Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan. How can you go wrong? An introspective book that really made me question things.

If I could have future generations read only one book on science and religion, it would be this one.

Like so many others in my generation, I was inspired by the Cosmos series and accompanying book of that name by Dr. Carl Sagan and his wife, Ann Druyan. Cosmos was an affirmation of the sheer wonderment and almost obsessive desire many of us felt to understand the universe and our place in it.

Now, more than ever, we must provide future generations with the tools they need to make the most informed decisions about the many crises we face on our planet. If I could have these future generations read only one book on this topic, it would be this one.

We keep finding ourselves debating the most critical issues of our time with those who justify their arguments in religious terms: climate crisis, reproductive justice, Black identities, voter suppression, anti-trans legislation, LGBTQ rights, stolen elections and insurrection, vaccines and masks, and even gun control.

Superstition is not easily overcome, but that is exactly what needs to be done. I'm grateful to Ann and Carl for sharing so much of their knowledge and wisdom with the world.

If only…

If only Carl were still with us, what a world we might have today.

This is a fantastic book of Carl’s lectures and the end portion has a wonderful Q&A. I would not recommend this book for first time Sagan readers. Check out some of his other works first and gain insight into his views and ideas, then enjoy this as a wonderful continuation.

Wonderful editing and narration.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

HAIL SAGAN

Great like everything they present

I am making this year the year I complete reading all books by Carl Sagan, I’ve been reading his fiction and non-fiction for decades and now that I’m retired I can listen (actual written text is not an option any more) to everything now. I like his ability to present science in clear way for non experts to understand and follow, no not like a scientist but have an understanding of the principle behind the discovery or theory.

excellent

very thought provoking and intelligent presentation on hard questions and ideas shared by all cultures

An Excellent Lecture

The only aspect that hampers this audiobook is the voice presenter who does not capture the essence of Carl or present his words in a manner that captures the spirit of the work.

Amazing CS, one "must read"

In my opinion, this book is a "must read" for anyone that wants learn about how the brain process religion and magic thinking.