Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilisation

(Paperback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Bringing his cosmic perspective to civilization on Earth, Neil deGrasse Tyson, bestselling author ofAstrophysics for People in a Hurry,shines new light on the crucial fault lines of our timewar, politics, religion, truth, beauty, gender, race, and tribalismin 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 enlightenmenta 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.

InStarry 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 beforeand exposes unfounded perspectives and unjustified emotions.

With crystalline prose and an abundance of evidence,Starry Messengerwalks 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, ten surprising, brilliant, and beautiful truths of human society, informed and enlightened by knowledge of our place in the universe.

Author Bio

Neil deGrasse Tysonis an astrophysicist and the author of the #1 bestsellingAstrophysics 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 podcastStarTalkand its spinoffStarTalk 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.