The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe is also a podcast that has been on the interwebs for over a decade, since 2005. They are now on episode 730 and have never missed a week. I found them somewhat randomly not long after they posted episode 140 which was in March 2008. The episode blew my mind. I realized I was extremely gullible and was making decisions based on what advertising or other sources were telling me without ever wondering if any of it were actually true. I was completely unskeptical, and therefore vulnerable to any kind of huckster or scam. And yes, I learned from the SGU that I had fallen for many of those and it had cost me a great deal of money and had been downright dangerous in some ways.
I binged every episode, and then restarted again and re-listened to them. I've never missed an episode since. I learned how to question what was told to me. This is different than being a denier or a cynic. It's about being level-headed and curious about the actual reality and truth of a claim. I learned to consider the source, and if they were saying something that was "based on research", I learned how to actually look at that research and see how much it was legit or not. There are a lot of "studies" that are either bogus or entirely misinterpreted by the media and people will either knowingly or unknowingly use that information to sell or promote things that will waste your money and maybe even your health.
I also learned that it's okay to trust an expert if they are actually an expert (still, trust but verify!). But if that person goes outside their field and makes crazy claims about something else, then that needs to be investigated and tested. Sometimes super smart people can also believe crazy things and not be critical. We all have our sacred cows, areas where we are not logical and have a blind spot to what we believe, and refuse to accept any evidence to the contrary.
I learned about logical fallacies, so that I can understand when people are using faulty language and arguments to manipulate others, whether intentionally or not. This has been invaluable. Absolutely.
I learned about worldviews and how to talk to someone who disagrees with what I think is reality, how conspiracy people etc think and how attacking someone with a skewed sense of reality (false beliefs - but for people who are not delusional and mentally ill) really drives them to double down on their false beliefs. I learned about cognitive dissonance and how that works as well.
I learned how to think for myself, to question everything, seek out new information, find other sources that have blown my mind with knowledge, and so much more.
One thing that was truly invaluable was that Extraordinary Claims Require Extraordinary Evidence. If it sounds fantastical it needs to be rigorously evaluated and tested, just like any other claim. And while you can never prove a negative, you can still learn a lot about the Universe through careful, methodical, rigorous science.
I learned about how fallible our sense of reality is, how memory actually works (as we understand it so far), how we actually observe the world, and why we should never be stubbornly sure of anything unless there is evidence. It's ok to be wrong, it's ok to change your mind, if you learn new and better evidence that shows that your old way of thinking was faulty.
We learn more about the Universe every single day, so we need to be open to expanding our horizons and adjusting our view of things as new information comes in. But we also need to be skeptical and know that if something is brand new (like some new drug is found to "cure" something, for instance) it needs to be tested rigorously, and it might turn out that it isn't the miracle cure we thought it was when there is more data. This is true for any aspect of research and science. So take wild new claims with a grain of salt and be prepared to wait for more evidence.
I learned to be very humble about what I "know" and what I "believe". I have learned to be able to change my mind with new evidence and not feel stupid or try to cling to the old way of thinking just because that is how my worldview saw things. I try to follow the adage to be okay with being wrong, and that my only real desire is to know the truth, and that that often changes over time, and that's okay.
I have humbly labeled myself a skeptic. I've lost a lot of the crazy unhealthy thinking and beliefs I had about the Universe. You might be thinking that now I'm some bitter cynic. No. Just the opposite. Now I understand that the Universe is infinitely fascinating and amazing and I am awed every day by all the amazing things I can learn.
When I was a girl in school, I was never really taught that girls could go into science. It never occurred to me, and I was never taught to think critically. But that's ok, because I did eventually learn that skill that has changed my life for the better. Skeptical, critical thinking. And I am SO much happier, healthier and have saved so much money by avoiding bogus stuff that it all makes it wonderful.
This book is a crash course in reality and how to think critically. It's fantastic. I highly recommend getting it, devouring it, and then getting copies for every person you know. The audio book is also fantastic on Audible (I got that copy too, of course) Stephen reads it himself. It is the most thoughtful and helpful book that you can give.
I also recommend supplementing this book with the podcast. Look for "The Skeptics' Guide To The Universe" on the podcast app of your choice. You will be so glad you did.
The SGU is not mean or vicious in attacking those who think poorly, or even those who maliciously take advantage of the unsuspecting public. They are not sarcastic. They don't attack anyone, really. They just explain why they are wrong. So you don't need to feel like they will try to make anyone feel stupid. They show you the wonder of critical thinking and how fantastic actual reality is. And they are witty and wonderful people. All of them.
So while this book will change your life for the better, and help you to think more clearly, it won't do it by tearing you down. I think that's important. There are others (especially on the internets) who are vicious to anyone who disagrees with them. They attack them, so even if they are right, it only makes the situation worse. This is not that at all. Just the opposite. Now, the SGU doesn't pull any punches. If something is bogus, they will call it out and explain why and what is actually true.
Even if you have listened to the SGU, this book will still tell you things that are new, so get it anyway. They are great complements to each other.
I give this book 100+ stars. I am so glad it exists. Thank you SGU. You helped me become a much happier and smarter person. I hope everyone reads this book and gets as much out of it as I did.
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About the author
One of the most important books someone can read
This is without a doubt one of the most important books anyone can read right now, regardless of how knowledgeable of Scientific Skepticism they are. A spiritual successor to Carl Sagan’s “The Demon Haunted World”, this book does an astounding job of showcasing and justifying a rational, methodical worldview. If I could snap my fingers and have everyone in the world read a single book, it would be this one.
Top reviews from the United States
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Top reviews from other countries
- B. WilliamsReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 27, 2018
An essential resource for anyone who is into science and rational thinking
- Amazon KundeReviewed in Germany on April 11, 2024
Great book to have amd keep referring to it
- anamazoncustomerReviewed in Australia on October 20, 2019
My new goto reference for science skepticism
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I have listened to the Novella brothers, Evan and Cara on their podcast The Skeptics Guide to the Universe for a few years now, and it's definitely my favourite science podcast. Before then I didn't know I was something called a "skeptic" (or sceptic) or that there is this huge community of fellow skeptics helping the world (the globe!) to think more critically, so I was excited to finally get a copy of their new book.anamazoncustomerMy new goto reference for science skepticism
Reviewed in Australia on October 20, 2019
Whether you are new to skepticism or been around for a while this book is a super useful reference and reminder for all things skepticism. It's got plenty of detail, but is still easy to read.
The index is packed and there are references galore.
It may have put my dog to sleep.. but it wont put you to sleep!
I am going to get some more copies to give to friends and family for Xmas! Might also get the audio version as I think Steve does the reading himself.
They are coming to Australia in a month... hopefully I get to meet them and get my book signed!
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