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  • 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
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (228 ratings)

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The Demon-Haunted World

By: Carl Sagan
Narrated by: Cary Elwes, Seth MacFarlane
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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.

What listeners say about The Demon-Haunted World

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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing book

If this was the only book I’d read in school I’d undoubtedly be a better and happier person.

If this was the ONLY book all kids read in school, the world we live in would be a better place.

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7 people found this helpful

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  • DJG
  • 23-05-2019

American centric, but invaluable to new skeptics.

The only reason I didn't give 5 stars for the story is that it is dated to the late 90's and very American in it's telling and learnings. For other beginning sceptics I would start with this and then move on to "A Skeptics Guide to the Universe"

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6 people found this helpful

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interesting relivent

really interesting
really relivent to today.
I loved how the author drawes parables between science and quark science to show the vast difference. also talks about some of the problems with how science is portrayed in media today and how it misses the real spark and light of science.

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

Essential reading even in these times.

Essential reading even in and especially these times when many are seeming to revert backwards to an unintelligent, anti-science culture. Sadly, Sagan’s views are still unknown to many, even those who like his quotes that circulate on the internet.

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2 people found this helpful

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A necessary book well presented

This book is an essential work for any modern English speaking family.
Although some of the subject matter is very American-centric the basics are presented well and it is easy to apply to whichever country you find yourself in.
The narration by Cary Elwes and Seth McFarlane only add to the enjoyment.
I have no doubt I will listen to this many more times.

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Detailed and thorough debunking of non-science

I enjoyed this book for the through examination of a wide range of "unexplained" phenomena through a scientific lens. The majority of the book was great. The last few hours of the bookI found too USA-centric, but othrt than that it is a great listen. It's particularly interesting given it was written 20+ years ago and looking at what has happened since then with the explosion of internet: it's obvious how so many of the issues raised have been extrapolated to the extreme in the decades since the book's publication.

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5 stars!!

Every child needs to learn how to think skeptically, the content of this book will help with that. I never learnt to think skeptically and have been through all kinds of pseudo science and religious beliefs.. I'm now 34.. I wish I had learned much earlier.
you won't be disappointed!

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Gets better with time

You need to give this book some time to move to more interesting topics. Carl talks a lot of time with alien abductions, false memories, and imaginary satanic cabals, give it the time to pass and it get way more interesting. Also, the voice work is superb.

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

classic

Great sciencific book still relevant, although some discoveries have been made since writing like gravitational waves mainly loved the skeptical and critical thinking information, and the baloney testing tool kit.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Recommended for science newbies

A good introduction to science and skeptical thinking, the demon haunted world explores the two while examining modern conspiracies and alternate medicine.

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