Last Podcast On The Left Strange Customs: An Interview with Sasha Sagan
Dec 27, 2024
Sasha Sagan, author of "For Small Creatures Such as We" and daughter of science legends Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan, offers a captivating dive into human customs and beliefs. They humorously critique childhood myths like Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, revealing how rituals shape personal identity. The discussion spans astrology's skepticism, the search for cosmic knowledge, and the essence of community amid diverse beliefs. Sagan’s insights on navigating change and our shared humanity make for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation.
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Growing Up Sagan
- Sasha Sagan discusses growing up with her parents, Ann Druyan and Carl Sagan.
- She emphasizes the positive impact of their scientific worldview, fostering a sense of awe and wonder.
Conspiracy Theories and Religion
- Human discomfort with uncertainty fuels conspiracy theories, mirroring religious tendencies.
- We prefer concrete explanations, even negative ones, over unanswered questions.
Explaining Human Rituals
- Sagan's childhood involved thought experiments about explaining human customs to extraterrestrials.
- This perspective informs her podcast, exploring rituals like marriage and holidays.
