This was manifested in such uniquely American treasures as the Declaration of Independence through thought leaders like Thomas Jefferson. It evolves into an impassioned statement for personal and intellectual freedom as understood during and after the Enlightenment. The text begins as a scholarly and deliberate attempt to explain how important intellectual curiosity is to science. They may be startled at the ferocity and elegance with which Sagan attacks what could be called the approach of the second Dark Ages. Many may know the astronomer primarily from his television appearances as popular conduit to understanding the rarefied atmosphere of pure science.

'Passionate.Popular science proselytizer Carl Sagan makes an impassioned plea for society to understand, accept and encourage science that goes far beyond the movement of planets or subatomic particles and extends to the heart of intellectual freedom and the meaning of democracy. A testimonial to the power of science and a warning of the dangers of unrestrained credulity.' - The Sciences 'A clear vision of what good science means and why it makes a difference. Rich in surprising information and beautiful writing.' - The Washington Post Book World A stirring defense of informed rationality. 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. 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. 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.Ĭasting 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. From the first page to the last, this book is a manifesto for clear thought.'- Los Angeles Times A prescient warning of a future we now inhabit, where fake news stories and Internet conspiracy theories play to a disaffected American populace

The demon haunted world by carl sagan