The Science of Fear: Why We Fear the Things We Shouldn't--and Put Ourselves in Greater Danger
By:
Daniel Gardner
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Lowest New Price: $1.99
List Price: $24.95
Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Description:
From terror attacks to the war on terror, real estate bubbles to the price of oil, sexual predators to poisoned food from China, our list of fears is ever-growing. And yet, we are the safest and healthiest humans in history. Irrational fear seems to be taking over, often with tragic results. For example, in the months after 9/11, when people decided to drive instead of fly—believing they were avoiding risk—road deaths rose by more than 1,500.
In this fascinating, lucid, and thoroughly entertaining examination of how humans process risk, journalist Dan Gardner had the exclusive cooperation of Paul Slovic, the world renowned risk-science pioneer, as he reveals how our hunter gatherer brains struggle to make sense of a world utterly unlike the one that made them. Filled with illuminating real world examples, interviews with experts, and fast-paced, lean storytelling, The Science of Fear shows why it is truer than ever that the worst thing we have to fear is fear itself.
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Customer Review: 5 out of 5
Clearly expressed excellence in thinking. - I am grateful that Mr. Gardner's book made it into my hands. It has changed the way I look at the world and given me so many tools with which to think and process my environment. He is a rare voice of reason and I would support making this book mandatory reading in secondary education. Do yourself a favor and read this book. Buy a spare, you'll be talking about it so much you'll have to lend it out!
Customer Review: 1 out of 5
Give me a break - The Kindle version is MORE expensive than the paper version so you expect me to pay more to read this digitally? Not going to happen.
Customer Review: 4 out of 5
Thoroghly enjoyable book - All the time I was reading this book I had the urge to go around and tell my friends or even random people about it. It is wonderful to see how clear, logical thinking can help one find a way in the media hysterics jungle.
If you expect a lot of statistics you will be disappointed, but the book does explain many of the insights psychology gained into the way we, humans react to information. The metaphor of a neanderthal man and a smart but lazy teenager driving a car together is one I found particularly illuminating.
All in all I recommend the book heartily. I did not give it four stars, just because I reserve that to really high-class scientific writing - in the class of Carl Sagan or S. J. Gould. I do not think the author would be offended by my saying that he is not in that class - but then very few people are.
Customer Review: 4 out of 5
A good expose on irrational Fears - A fun read which will entertain and enlighten one's perspective on Fear and man's typical reactions as well as group dynamics that surround Fear.
Customer Review: 5 out of 5
This should be required reading - High school students should be required to read this and other books that promote skepticism and critical thinking. When opinion passes for journalism, and all of the avenues through which we get our information are controlled by special interests, it is essential for people to actively seek the opposing point of view. Unfortunately we are not taught at an early age to challenge the official story, to do our own research, gather evidence, observe facts, temper opinions, or use reason and logic to make decisions. We need these skills to keep ourselves out of the dark ages.
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