The Varieties of Scientific Experience

ByCarl Sagan & Ann Druyan

Release Date: 2006-11-02
Genre: Astronomy

Score: 5

From 64 Ratings

Description

“Ann Druyan has unearthed a treasure. It is a treasure of reason, compassion, and scientific awe. It should be the next book you read.” —Sam Harris, author of The End of Faith

“A stunningly valuable legacy left to all of us by a great human being. I miss him so.” —Kurt Vonnegut

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.

Reviews

Breathtaking
5
By vrob357
Carl has a profound way of explaining science and communicating the morality and potential within it in a way that is so moving it's spiritual. Thank you Carl, we miss you.
Sagan...
5
By Juanames
Once again Sagan brilliantly tries to make us understand that our civilization needs to revise conventional wisdom. Humans need to become more critical minded in order to survive self destruction.

An astronomical sized thanks to Ann Druyan for bringing Carl back to the masses!

Sagan's statements are more actual than ever!

Juan Amestoy

Basel

Switzerland
Poetic
5
By Mjohnab
I won't lie. This is one of my favorite books and I've read it cover to cover many times. When I read Sagan, it feels as if he wrote specifically for me. His style is poetic, insightful, and completely non-offensive, as if he's reciting a lullaby. Actually, it's quite hard to explain. I like this collection of works specifically because one can pick up and read this book with just a few minutes of spare time--the sections are short and concise.
Sagan is the best!!
5
By Trexmon
Insightful book of lectures by a great thinker and educator. A master of scientific reason and logic. Humane optimist. Thank you Carl.