Shermer Says 3: Weird Experiences, the Meaning of Dreams, and What Mark Twain Knew About Reality

Cycling Pioneer recounts Lon Haldeman's epic 1981 ride from New York to California and back, a feat that redefined the limits of endurance cycling. The book details his journey on primitive equipment, navigating with paper maps, and relying on family and friends as his support crew. Haldeman's achievements, including his pivotal role in the first Race Across America, helped launch the modern era of ultra-distance cycling and inspired a generation of endurance athletes.

In 'The Science of Interstellar', Kip Thorne delves into the scientific foundations of the film 'Interstellar', directed by Christopher Nolan. Thorne, who served as the film's science advisor and executive producer, discusses the real science that underpins the movie's depiction of wormholes, black holes, interstellar travel, and other cosmic phenomena. The book distinguishes between known science, educated guesses, and speculations, using visual icons to guide readers. It also explores the physical laws governing the universe and the challenges of depicting complex scientific concepts in a film. Thorne's work on the film and the book highlights the intersection of science and science fiction, making the book a valuable resource for both scientists and general audiences interested in space science.

In this book, Joshua Muravchik provides a comprehensive history of socialism, from its early theorists to its global implementations and eventual collapse. He argues that socialism was an attempt to supplant religion with a scientific doctrine, but it consistently failed to deliver on its promises of abundance and the creation of a 'New Man'. The book also examines the 'afterlife' of socialism, noting its resurgence in popularity despite its historical failures. Muravchik delves into the stories of key thinkers and leaders, as well as experiments like the kibbutz, to explain why socialism spread so widely and why it ultimately failed.

In 'Contact', Carl Sagan explores the theme of extraterrestrial contact through the story of Dr. Eleanor 'Ellie' Arroway, an astronomer who detects a signal from the star Vega. The signal, a series of prime numbers, leads to the discovery of a complex message containing a blueprint for an advanced space-traveling machine. The novel delves into the scientific, philosophical, and societal implications of this discovery, including the intersection of science and faith, international cooperation, and the human condition. The story follows Ellie and a multinational team as they navigate the construction and activation of the machine, leading to a profound encounter with extraterrestrial life.

In this book, Huxley recounts his first psychedelic experience with mescaline in May 1953. He describes how the drug altered his perception of the world, making ordinary objects and experiences take on profound aesthetic and philosophical significance. Huxley draws on various philosophical and spiritual traditions, including those of William Blake, Meister Eckhart, Plato, and Buddhism, to contextualize his insights. The book challenges conventional views on perception and reality, suggesting that certain substances can reveal deeper aspects of existence that are normally filtered out by the human brain's 'reducing valve'

In 'The Demon-Haunted World,' Carl Sagan warns about the dangers of a scientifically illiterate society. He argues that the rise of pseudoscience and superstition threatens our ability to make informed decisions and undermines the foundations of democracy. The book advocates for the use of critical and skeptical thinking, presenting a 'baloney detection kit' to help readers distinguish between scientific evidence and pseudoscientific claims. Sagan discusses various forms of pseudoscience, including UFO sightings, astrology, and faith healing, and emphasizes the importance of science education and literacy in navigating the complexities of the modern world.