Billions And Billions

I was wanting to write a nice objective book review of Carl Sagan's last book but I found myself with tears streaming down my face for the last two chapters so that might be a little hard. I thought the first few chapters were a little weak, but I think that was because I knew everything that was being explained already. I liked his arguments on environmentalism. It seems like such a frustrating issue though as so much seems to be controlled by the large coportations and governments and not much individuals can do. (Unless of course they get their doctrates in environmental science like my sister is, but that does little to alievate my science guilt.) But I found the last third of the book the most interesting, I liked his essays on the different issues, learned something about the history of abortion in america, and in the christian world. And read some nicely thought out and explained arguments.

Carl Sagan in some ways reminds me of a victorian scientist. He's so full of the excitment and wonder of the world and at science for explaining it. He understands the awe of the universe we live in, and is able to communicate that so well. The chapter summing up the achievements of the 20th century was positivly inspiring. And in a way he also reminds me a little of HG Wells, so worried about the potential of humans to destroy themselves, so upset with the way things are going. But he can always see the postive as well as the negative. Something I have such a hard time doing myself being such a pessimist.

But it was a lovely book and I am so sad he won't write anymore. I wish I'd had the chance to hear him speak. Tonight Bill and I are going to go and hear Brian Greene speak, (he's the guy who does the string theory documentary on PBS) he's no Carl Sagan, but it's good to hear scientists speak.