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Starry Messenger

By: Neil deGrasse Tyson
Narrated by: Neil deGrasse Tyson
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Publisher's Summary

Bringing his cosmic perspective to civilization on Earth, Neil deGrasse Tyson, best-selling author of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, shines new light on the crucial fault lines of our time—war, politics, religion, truth, beauty, gender, race and tribalism—in a way that stimulates a deeper sense of unity for us all.

In a time when our political and cultural perspectives feel more divisive than ever, Tyson provides a much-needed antidote to so much of what divides us, while making a passionate case for the twin engines of enlightenment—a cosmic perspective and the rationality of science.

After thinking deeply about how a scientist views the world and about what Earth looks like from space, Tyson has found that terrestrial thoughts change as our brain resets and recalibrates life's priorities, along with the actions we might take in response. As a result, no outlook on culture, society, or civilisation remains untouched.

In Starry Messenger, Tyson reveals just how human the enterprise of science is. Far from a cold, unfeeling undertaking, scientific methods, tools and discoveries have shaped modern civilisation and created the landscape we've built for ourselves on which to live, work and play. Tyson shows how an infusion of science and rational thinking renders worldviews deeper and more informed than ever before—and exposes unfounded perspectives and unjustified emotions.

With crystalline prose and an abundance of evidence, Starry Messenger walks us through the scientific palette that sees and paints the world differently. From lessons on resolving global conflict to reminders of how precious it is to be alive, Tyson reveals, with warmth and eloquence, 10 surprising, brilliant and beautiful truths of human society, informed and enlightened by knowledge of our place in the universe.

©2022 Neil deGrasse Tyson (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

What listeners say about Starry Messenger

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  • 26-01-2023

Stick to astrophysics

Unfortunately this book is a failure of rational thinking. Disappointing book by a person I respect. Neill Degrasse Tyson draws the wrong conclusions from cherrypicked examples.
Gets 2 stars instead of 1 because the part of the book more within his area of expertise is interesting, such as the perspective while on an exponential development curve. Then he goes into racism and gender and he falls off the rationality cliff really fast.
Neill I didn't find it confronting, but simply incorrect. You fell for your own bias.

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My new best friend

Loved it, felt like a long dinner conversation with a friend about life the universe and everything. Sure he didn’t feel that way about me at the end though!

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Very Interesting, well told, thought provoking

Well thought out, expertly expressed and narrated by the man himself. Leaves you with plenty to consider about why we do things the way we do.

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First book I’ve read with Neil

Captivating and definitely interesting. A lot of information simplified for all to enjoy, will re-read this in the future

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I can't get enough of NDGT!

Brilliant mind, fascinating perspective of the world. If you like absorbing knowledge and new perspectives this book is for you.

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Awesome book

Great analysis on some contraversial issues and amazingly read.
I would recommend it to everyone.

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One of the most profound and optimistic perspectives I have heard

Dr Tyson presents a refreshing, optimistic, heartwarming and scientifically mind blowing perspective on humanity and our place in the universe. He eloquently and simply reframes perspectives that we take for granted and points our thoughts in a direction that we may have never even considered. It is a great feel-good yet fascinating work that I would recommend to anyone.

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Stoped listening at the religious pandering

Deeply disappointed. I thought more of the man. Save yourself the time and money.

For a such a prominent science communicator to pander to the Christian mob is such a disappointment.

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Fascinating

Well written and read by the author, it opens your mind to facts rather than opinions. I particularly enjoyed where he uses similee examples to illustrate how irrational our thought as humans can often be. A mind opening book.

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meh, better suited for teenagers

I wouldn't have listened if Neil didn't voice it but he deliverers every line as if expecting you to be amazed by the point he is making. Many of those points I agreed with already and didn't find them particularly amazing. His performance director or advisors should suggest he uses that time just for the best points - and there were a number of points sprinkled throughout that I'd have felt more deserving.

My biggest issue is that for a book that spends a lot of time highlighting the weak aspects of societies reasoning, Neil's examples and analogies often fall short of the scientific approach he advocates for. That's not to say I don't agree with his overall point but the language (and tone) he uses make it sound like the points he is making are beyond obvious, reasonable question.

I'd be interested to see Neil challenged on the points in the book sometime in the future. I heard about it on Sam Harris' Making Sense podcast and although it wasn't appropriate for Sam to question the specific points just after its launch I doubt he ever would.

I suggested it was better for kids but maybe that would be best if they have an adult who can help them break it all down. I can imagine that many readers/listeners are in essence a sort of choir that won't question the reasoning if the overall point seems good. Many wouldn't understand why the method matters if the answer is approximately correct but I think Neil would agree that how you get to a correct answer matters.

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