Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization

by Neil deGrasse Tyson

Overview

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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

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

After thinking deeply about how science sees the world and about Earth as a planet, the human brain has the capacity to reset and recalibrates life’s priorities, shaping the actions we might take in response. No outlook on culture, society, or civilization remains untouched.

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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250861504
Publisher:	Holt, Henry & Company, Inc.
Publication date:	09/20/2022
Pages:	288
Sales rank:	11,388
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 5.60(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist and the author of the #1 bestselling Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, among other books. He is the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, where he has served since 1996. Dr. Tyson is also the host and cofounder of the Emmy-nominated popular podcast StarTalk and its spinoff StarTalk Sports Edition, which combine science, humor, and pop culture. He is a recipient of 21 honorary doctorates, the Public Welfare Medal from the National Academy of Sciences, and the Distinguished Public Service Medal from NASA. Asteroid 13123 Tyson is named in his honor. He lives in New York City.

Editorial Reviews

07/04/2022

Science can shed light on “some of the most discussed and debated topics of our time,” writes astrophysicist Tyson (Cosmic Queries) in this cursory outing. While “people no longer know who or what to trust” and “sow hatred of others... without regard to what is true,” a nice dose of scientific perspective and “rational thinking” can help that, Tyson posits. He covers several contemporary critical subjects, including gender (“One day, we may discover or otherwise affirm no discrete categories at all, as the multidimensional gender universe unfolds along a continuum”), racism (were an alien to witness “our divided ways,” they’d report “no sign of intelligent life”), and vegetarianism (all food “come from killing and eating other forms of life in our ecosystem”). Tyson’s at his best when he explains what he sees as the unique power of science, touting the “self-regulating” nature of the scientific method and asserting that “conformity in science is anathema to progress.” Unfortunately, his examples are mostly trite, and a few proclamations come across as somewhat naive—a discussion of how to unite Republicans and Democrats draws on the low-judgment, “common love of imagination” found at ComicCon, for example. This quick and somewhat glib recap of the social value of science will likely leave readers wanting. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

Every page is lit up by an original poetic imagination but bearing the unmistakable stamp of a rational mind, steeped in maths and science.”
—Richard Dawkins, author of The Selfish Gene and The God Delusion

“Handsome, gregarious and passionate about his subject matter, Neil deGrasse Tyson…meditates on what a life studying the majesty of the stars and the planets can teach us about how to deal with all the messy social and political conflicts bedeviling us here on Earth…Engaging as ever…He is lucidly down-to-earth and charmingly enthusiastic.”
—The Washington Post

“Tyson has become the most influential science communicator in the country.”
—Vox

“Tyson takes a rational approach to the topics that divide us and the ideals we question. This book may make you rethink your place in the Universe...Strap in; it's quite the cosmic ride.”
—Discover

From the Publisher

★ 08/01/2022

In this book, named for the English title of Galileo's Sidereus Nuncius, Tyson (Astrophysics for People in a Hurry) once again earns his position as one of the foremost science communicators of the modern age. From the preface to the afterword, which he calls the overture and coda, every word and argument is beautifully balanced. The 10 chapters are themed to a cadence, with titles such as "Truth & Beauty," "War & Peace," and "Gender & Identity." Tyson's ability to simplify complex topics without seeming disparaging or condescending is refreshing, as is his willingness to approach such a broad range of topics in a forthright yet nonconfrontational manner. As Tyson states in his overture, this book truly is "a trove of insights, informed by the universe and brought to you by the methods and tools of science." It will encourage readers to question the biases that determine how they react to information from a variety of sources, from textbooks to social media pundits. VERDICT An excellent addition to any science collection that will encourage critical thinking by all who read it.—Jennifer Moore

Library Journal

2022-06-17
The well-known astrophysicist argues in favor of science.

Tyson, popular TV commentator and director of the Hayden Planetarium, points out that until a few centuries ago, all cultures explained natural phenomena through words from wise men (i.e., “authority”), sacred texts, and myths. Life was short, disease-ridden, and violent, and few claimed that important questions remained unanswered or that progress was possible. After the 17th-century Enlightenment, scientific inquiry began delivering explanations that “are true even when you don’t believe in them,” and there followed significant improvements to our quality of life as a species. Even though science has delivered the goods for centuries, Tyson warns against two alternatives. The first, deeply held personal beliefs, are not susceptible to argument and range from the literal truth of the Bible to the superiority of the Dodgers over the Yankees. Personal beliefs are benign unless they become coercive political beliefs, and the intensity of this coercion continues to increase in today’s political climate, sometimes culminating in violence. Tyson urges readers to base their actions on accurate observation—evidence rather than feeling—and a willingness to discard ideas that don’t work. “To deny objective truths is to be scientifically illiterate,” he writes, “not to be ideologically principled.” Among the best sections of the book is an essay in which the author, taking a page from early racist anthropology, delivers a tongue-in-cheek but strictly fact-based argument that Whites resemble chimpanzees far more closely than Blacks do. Marshalling his evidence, he shows “how easy it is to be racist.” Since it’s been proven (scientifically) that humans are terrible at assessing risks, flummoxed by statistics, impervious to facts that contradict their prejudices, and murderously attached to their tribe, Tyson may be fighting a losing battle. Still, he’s a welcome voice in the escalating fight with the array of forces aligned against science and rational thought.

Good sense for those who value good sense.

Kirkus Reviews

★ 12/01/2022

This engaging, conversational book begs to be read aloud, and who better than its author? The subtitle says it all: cosmic perspective. Tyson muses on universal topics like war, race, politics, religion, beauty, and gender and identity. Questions are posed and pondered in a tone revealing an unceasing curiosity and pursuit of knowledge. Tyson incorporates humor and examples of modern society to get his points across. He calls astrology "the world's second oldest profession." There are many quotes from scientists, philosophers, and more. This thrilling book invites listeners to think deeply about life within a historical and cultural experience. Tyson is kind yet challenging. For example, he points out that no one is truly able to eat only nonliving things; the sole way to do that would be to survive on just milk and honey. He is a marvelous narrator. His tone is genial, lively, and musical. He emphasizes the points he wants the listener to ponder and makes no argument that his beliefs are anything but biased based on his own experiences. VERDICT Tyson's warmth and erudition make him a superb narrator of this excellent, thought-provoking book. A must-have for all public libraries.—B. Allison Gray

Library Journal - Audio

Author and narrator Neil deGrasse Tyson shines brightly as he declaims his “Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization” in 10 interconnected essays. Taking his title from Galileo’s “Siderius Nuncius,” Tyson looks at planet Earth and its inhabitants using a “space-down” perspective—that of both an inhabitant of Earth and a visitor from another solar system. Using examples from astrophysics, astronomy, and the cosmos, Tyson calmly explains the need for unity and respect through topics ranging from exploring the solar system to landing on the moon, from war and politics to race and gender. Like a spaceship traveling the stars, Tyson’s voice flows smoothly as he delivers complex topics and positive perspectives on the future. M.B.K. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

NOVEMBER 2022 - AudioFile