The Believing Brain: From Ghosts And Gods To Politics And Conspiracies How We Construct Beliefs And Reinforce Them As Truths (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
As you read the other reviews here, one might ask himself. Does their rating reflect how much they agree with the Author's beliefs? I had no expectations that Shermer think as I do, the book delivers exactly what I was looking for, “why do intelligent people think really dumb things?” My focus at the time of reading this book was the Hard Sciences, and how 'I think' Pseudo Science has become even more fashionable. Why is it people have given up on throwing virgins into Volcanoes WHEN they have adopted other climate fixes that have no more veritable evidence of creating a cure than the virgin fix?Shermer stays focused on conveying information, he does not write this book as an exercise to impress his peers, but he does so to convey ideas and information to his fellow man.As for you religion, whether it is your belief in God, or that you are God, I come away from this book knowing that Shermer had no expectation of convincing a reader to believe as he does. I think he expected his more thoughtful readers would know that, as that is what the book is all about. This is a compelling argument for not only skepticism, but the value of human interaction and feedback, something that within our hierarchical society gets lost quite easily. All of it is well-broken down, making it an easy read (depending on how you define an easy read, but think more on the Oliver Sacks end of the spectrum). Even if you don't want to read the book, do watch his Ted Talk.
What do You think about The Believing Brain: From Ghosts And Gods To Politics And Conspiracies How We Construct Beliefs And Reinforce Them As Truths (2011)?
Think you believe what you believe based on logic and reason? Think again.
—Alex
Overall fascinating, but I could have done without the last two chapters.
—alona
It may be hindsight bias talking, but i thought the book was very good.
—muggrugg
Excellent book about brain and why people believe in weird stuff.
—1234567890
