The scientific way of thinking is at once imaginative and disciplined. This is central to its success. Science invites us to let the facts in, even when they don't conform to our perceptions. It counsels us to carry alternative hypotheses in our heads and see which best fit the facts. It urges on us a delicate balance between no-holds-barred openness to new ideas, however heretical, and the most rigorous skeptical scrutiny of everything -- new ideas and established wisdom. This kind of thinking is also an essential tool for a democracy in an age of change.This fantastic book is all about the importance of critical thinking. It applies to everything from the claims of politicians to tales of psychics and UFO abductions to the next chain email to hit your inbox. ("Forward this to ten of your best friends right now or you'll be unlucky in love and mold will grow in your ears!")
The Demon-Haunted World changed the way I look at the world. I can't recommend it strongly enough. Get it! Read it!
3 comments:
I'm trying to read 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I'm bored. I don't think I was meant to be effective. Screaming and yelling is effective. "Give me some fiction!" I said before I turned off the light next to the bed. Rugg chuckled. Like I was kidding!
Changed your life, huh? I shudder to think what would have happened to my little atheist if Sagan had pulled a Hubbard and started his own religion/cult/what-have-you (and I know you're thinking bad thoughts of me for even suggesting it so you can just stop now).
The day Carl Sagan starts a religion (from beyond the grave), he can sign me up as his first brainwashed believer.
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