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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe

How to Know What's Really Real in a World Increasingly Full of Fake

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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe

By: Steven Novella
Narrated by: Steven Novella
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About this listen

The must-read book from the creators of The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast - perfect for fans of The Art of Thinking Clearly and Factfulness (and all aspiring skeptics)

This book will change the way you think about thinking. It will change how you think about the world.
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Join Steven Novella and 'Skeptical Rogues' Bob Novella, Cara Santa Maria, Jay Novella and Evan Bernstein as they explain the tenets of skeptical thinking and use them to debunk some of the biggest scientific myths, fallacies and conspiracy theories (anti-vaccines, homeopathy, UFO sightings, and many more) in this explosive book.

The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe is the must-have guide to understanding how you think, and how you can think more critically about yourself and the world around you. It explains the difference between science and pseudoscience, how to recognise common science news tropes, how to discuss conspiracy theories with that blinkered colleague of yours, and how to apply this to make your life better.

As fascinating as it is entertaining, this page-turner is your essential guide to seeing through the fake news and media manipulation in our increasingly confusing world.

©2018 SGU Productions LLC (P)2018 Hachette Audio
Biological Sciences Science Social Sciences Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

"A fantastic compendium of skeptical thinking and the perfect primer for anyone who wants to separate fact from fiction." (Richard Wiseman, author 59 Seconds)

"Thorough, informative, and enlightening...If this book does not become required reading for us all, we may well see modern civilisation unravel before our eyes." (Neil deGrasse Tyson, author of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry)

What listeners say about The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe

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Should be required reading in all high schools

Best guide to critical thinking I have ever read/listened to. It explains all the logical fallacies that we come across every day and explains the difference between science and pseudo science. I agree with Neil deGrasse Tyson that this should be required reading for us all. Just excellent. I have just bought Steven Novella's other two audiobooks available here and look forward to listening to both of them.

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A vital and timely guide to critical thinking

Having been an avid listener of the SGU for over a decade I was always going to enjoy this book. That being said, it really does fulfill its remit of being the go to reference for all things critical thinking. Whether it's an explanation of logical fallacies, how to interpret science reporting in the media or how to deal with illogical family members, this book covers all that you need to know to think critically and, most importantly, to spot flaws in your own judgement and mental processes. This is a timeless book that will stand many readings and should always be near at hand to help you on your critical journey through the universe.

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Great book to teach you critical thinking.

Loads of interesting topics covered to start you on the road to critical thinking and makes you aware of the amount of pseudo science that exists today.

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Didn't quite hit the spot

I've listened to all the PodCasts, so thought I'd give the book a try. For someone new to skepticism it would provide a good primer.

For people who are very familiar with the Pod Cast, there's not much new here.

As a very minor point, Steve Novella's delivery sounds more like he's lecturing the listener - it gets a little irritating at times, or perhaps that's me.

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Excellent. Thank you.

First off, this is such a good book. There where so many topics that I had kind off heard off but to have them laid out so clearly and concisely is terrific. I'm definitely going to be listening again.

Also the narrator has a very pleasant voice

Thank you

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Excellent, thought provoking and informative book.

Passionately narrated by the author, this book will captivate and educate all critical thinkers and hopefully educate those who are not so critical in their quest for the truth. Enormously enjoyable content and a Universe of information for all.

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Wonderfull sourcebook

Great book about critical thinking. Very important information and tools to cope In our modern world.

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brilliant

Well written and narrated.

Brilliant for helping you understand how to approach ideas and belief systems. It points out our biasis and flaws of the way we look and approch ideas. Breaks down many falsely held beliefs to why they are misunderstood, the thinking behind them and the flaws in the logic.

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Let the scales fall from your eyes

A fantastic journey of rational enlightenment. By the end of this your eyes will be open to the biases and flawed thinking that pervades everyday life. Stop being fooled in ways you have no awareness of, buy this book.

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Audible version to listen to...

And hardback to have ready at your fingertips whenever you need an example to help educate your colleagues. This has been so valuable and fun since the moment I got it. Would recommend to all that like to think they know what they’re talking about.

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