The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark,   ISBN:9780345409461

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The locus classicus of the modern skeptical movement is arguably Carl Sagan's last book, "The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark". I figured it's about time I read it. Hopefully this isn't too blasphemous, but I wasn't as impressed with it as many others seem to be. For one thing, Sagan patches together a lot of recycled material from essays and speeches and the result is a book that occasionally doesn't quite flow or fit together coherently. (Books of essays that pretend to be monographs are a pet peeve of mine). Don't get me wrong: the writing is great but, while the individual paragraphs are all good, they often don't fit together.

I don't want to overdo my criticism though; "The Demon-Haunted World" is certainly a fantastic book and one very much worth reading. I particularly liked Sagan's explanations of the scientific method (and `baloney detection'), and he covers the European witch craze brilliantly. Also impressive is his trademark mixture of critical analysis and wonder: the universe, contends Sagan, is beautifully intricate and deserving of awe. Also significant is his explanation of how science combines radical open-mindedness with ruthless criticism of ideas. (

One final comment: contrary to a blurb on the book that Sagan is "unfailingly respectful of religion", I was quite surprised to see how critical he is of it. He doesn't seem to belong to the school that strictly adheres to the principle that advocating scientific skepticism and atheism should be kept separate. I say right on.

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Too bad Carl Sagan has passed away... he seemed to know quite a bit about this world. His book was fascinating!

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What makes this book so powerful is that it has nothing to do with metaphysical beliefs, but only about the world we see and how we can make accurate conclusions about it. In other words, it's about science, not religion-- it's the polar opposite of an atheist screed. For this reason the entire work is extremely respectful and can be a cornerstone in the life of any thinking person. It provides the secret to understanding and appreciating the universe.

When I first read this book I was 13 years old and believed in many silly things like UFOs and angels. My life was completely changed. I have read it over and over again since, for the sake of holding my beliefs up to Sagan's compassionate but fierce rigor.

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This book is a must read for everyone. It gives clear insight into why people are so willing to believe things that have no evidence at all.

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This is the best science book I have ever read. The book paints a vivid picture of the American public's general lack of understanding of science, and describes with urgency the potential consequences that could be waiting around the corner if we don't become more scientifically literate as a nation. Carl Sagans clarity of thought comes across loud and clear in every chapter. The book is very vivid and detailed with great accounts of the history of science and some of its founders. Carl also clearly demonstrates the bad things that can happen when we give in to superstition and ignore the voice of reason that is science. Two great tools come out of this book as well, and they are 1) a guide for skeptical thinking, and 2) a list of various logical and rhetorical fallacies. All in all, this is a brilliant book, and I highly recommend it!!!