The Demon-Haunted World

A prescient warning of a future we now inhabit, where fake news and Internet conspiracy theories resonate with a disaffected populace. This book serves as a manifesto for clear thought and a spirited defense of science. Pulitzer Prize-winning author and distinguished astronomer Carl Sagan emphasizes that scientific thinking is essential for making informed decisions in our technology-driven lives. He explores the distinction between the myths of pseudoscience and the testable hypotheses of science, arguing that understanding this difference is crucial for the well-being of our democratic institutions. Sagan examines and debunks celebrated fallacies such as witchcraft, faith healing, demons, and UFOs. Yet, in today's information age, pseudoscience is thriving with tales of alien abductions and communal hallucinations gaining attention and respect. Sagan eloquently illustrates that the allure of unreason is not merely a cultural misstep but a perilous descent into darkness that endangers our fundamental freedoms. The book has been praised as a powerful defense of informed rationality, rich in surprising information and beautiful writing, offering a clear vision of the importance of good science and a warning against unrestrained credulity.