Carl Sagan è stato un visionario divulgatore scientifico, abile nel tradurre concetti cosmici complessi per un pubblico globale. La sua opera magistrale ha ispirato milioni di persone in tutto il mondo, collegando la curiosità scientifica a una profonda comprensione del nostro posto nell'universo. Attraverso i suoi estesi documentari e libri, Sagan ha acceso una passione per l'esplorazione e ha guidato i lettori in un viaggio affascinante oltre il nostro pianeta. La sua eredità perdura nella sua incessante ricerca della verità e nel suo sguardo impavido sulla realtà, anche di fronte alle sfide più profonde della vita.
Nel Dicembre 1999 un equipaggio internazionale intraprende, su istruzioni di una misteriosa civiltà, un viaggio nello spazio-tempo verso il più spaventoso incontro mai verificatosi nella storia dell'umanità. Chi c'è in quella regione turbolenta della Galassia, dove le stelle. gas e polveri stanno precipitando vertiginosamente verso un'immane e insaziabile gorgo? Quali sono i fini di quella mente eccezionale che ha inviato il messaggio?
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.
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • “Exciting and provocative . . . A tour de force of a book that begs to be seen as well as to be read.”— The Washington Post Book WorldWorld renowned scientist Carl Sagan and acclaimed author Ann Druyan have written a Roots for the human species, a lucid and riveting account of how humans got to be the way we are. Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors is a thrilling saga that starts with the origin of the Earth. It shows with humor and drama that many of our key traits—self-awareness, technology, family ties, submission to authority, hatred for those a little different from ourselves, reason, and ethics—are rooted in the deep past, and illuminated by our kinship with other animals.Sagan and Druyan conduct a breathtaking journey through space and time, zeroing in on critical turning points in evolutionary history, and tracing the origins of sex, altruism, violence, rape, and dominance. Their book culminates in a stunningly original examination of the connection between primate and human traits. Astonishing in its scope, brilliant in its insights, and an absolutely compelling read, Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors is a triumph of popular science.
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Carl Sagan traces our exploration of space and suggests that our very survival may depend on the wise use of other worlds. This stirring book reveals how scientific discovery has altered our perception of who we are and where we stand, and challenges us to weigh what we will do with that knowledge. Photos, many in color.
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.
In this book, his last, Carl Sagan shows once again his extraordinary ability to interpret the mysteries of life and the majesty of the universe for the general reader. In Billions and Billions Sagan applies what we know about science, mathematics, and space to everyday life as well as to the exploration of many essential questions concerning the environment and our future. Ranging far and wide in subject matter, he takes his readers on a soaring journey, from the
Exploring a range of topics from astrophysics to the search for extraterrestrial life, Sagan conveys his enthusiasm and wonder in a lyrical manner. He connects astronomical discoveries to significant human issues, highlighting the relevance of science to our existence. The book features 48 halftones, 3 graphs, and 2 line diagrams, enhancing the reader's understanding of complex concepts.
Carl Sagan demonstrates how scientific thinking is necessary to safeguard our democratic institutions and our technical civilization. The book debunks the ideas of alien abduction, mediums and faith healers, and refutes the arguement that science destroys spirituality
A visit to a pancake shop leads to an unexpected May-December romance that breathes life into the monotonous routine of an older salaryman.
'Careful scientific argument laced with a dash of speculation. It is a heady mixture . . . Sagan and Shklovskii have explored, with great verve and absorbing detail, what could lie outside us'. JOHN DAVY/THE OBSERVER This book, the product of a unique collaboration between a world-famous Russian astronomer and a leading American space scientist, is the first popular and modern discussion of the entire panorama of natural evolution. It covers the origins of the universe, the evolution of stars and planets, the beginnings of life on earth, and the development of intelligence and technical civilisations among galactic communities. While acknowledgedly speculative in many place — in, for example, the detailed discussions of interstellar contact — it is an outstanding summary of the present state of scientific knowledge and philosophical interest in these arresting areas of contemporary research. 'I am overjoyed . . . The brotherhood of science is a vital aspect of contemporary life and may offer one road to safety amid the dangers that press upon us. There mere existence of this book by two such authors under today's conditions is a triumph for those of us who cling to this hope'. ISAAC ASIMOV 'A unique collaboration' NEWSWEEK
