The Demon-Haunted World

Science as a Candle in the Dark

By: Carl Sagan

Narrated by: Cary Elwes, Seth MacFarlane

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.

Should be required reading.

This book was fantastic, and contained a plethora of moving insites on the beauty and value of science, skepticism, and critical thinking. I honestly think it should be required reading for high school.

Cary Elwes did a fine job in his narration, but a British narrator feels out of place reading Sagan's words. He does a fine job reading clearly, but occasionally it feels like he is struggling with the material. All in all is say any problems are just nitpicking.

Brilliant

How can we successfully succeed if we don’t look at every angle without judgment. Not just once, but time and time again. Carl Sagan points the way to truths, all we need do is look and educate ourselves. Follow the science!

A Must Read/Listen for Young and Old Adults

This should be required reading/listening for teachers, teens, and young adults. It wouldn't hurt for older adults to hear this either an apply the necessary critical thinking to the media they consume now.

A lot of our future depends on fighting back these demons we have created.

must read

Cary Elwes did an amazing job, along with McFarlane. This book is just wonderful to read AND to listen to! Easily a top 5 book to own.

Everyone needs to hear this

Everyone needs to hear this, especially now in our current political state. Sagan was prophetic in 95.