2006-09-29 18:43:10 · 12 answers · asked by qwine2000 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Bob G had it right. Sagan was a pretty good astrophysicist, but he wandered into areas in which he had nothing except good intentions, which he mistook for competence.
Sagan's popular appeal comes from his having written a reasonably good fiction story, in which he of course embedded his own ideas about how "intelligent" creatures Just Get Along, and from his being generally charismatic on television - with lots of help from producers, directors, tailors, make-up artists and suchlike people. Man, did he ever have some awesome leisurewear.
His social ideas were overly idealistic and most of them contained the usual liberal presumption that people should be other than selfish, tribal primates whose social behaviors are the natural result of evolution in a competitive struggle for the requirements of life.
Sagan was the kind of philosopher who never could recognize the futility of any argument that began with the words, "If people would..." I'd have paid money to see a debate between Carl Sagan and Friedrich Nietzsche.
2006-09-30 00:30:29 · answer #1 · answered by David S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was fond of most of his work. As for my opinion at this point in time...I think Carl has finally gotten the answer to those questions he kept asking. I wonder if he likes the answers?
R.I.P
2006-09-30 02:30:39 · answer #2 · answered by sparc77 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He was an avid marijuana smoker. No kidding.
And before anyone gives me the thumbs-down, check out the link(s) below. It is well-documented. Not that there was anything wrong with it. On the contrary, it only goes to show how wasteful prohibition is.
2006-09-30 04:05:30 · answer #3 · answered by Search first before you ask it 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great intelect. He wrote a book called "The Dragons of Edan" which every person interested in human evolution should read.
2006-09-29 18:46:29 · answer #4 · answered by October 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is more of a spokesperson than of a scientist. He did a great job.
2006-09-30 05:24:52 · answer #5 · answered by Dr M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great teacher. Brilliant mind. Good writer.
2006-09-29 19:50:59 · answer #6 · answered by FrogDog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is the smartest man ever to exist
2006-09-29 18:44:56 · answer #7 · answered by R & B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not so great. Shoulda stuck to astronomy.
2006-09-29 19:28:33 · answer #8 · answered by Bob G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would like to learn more about him and his accomplishments.
What's your opinion?
2006-09-29 18:44:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I liked his book "Contact".
2006-09-29 18:48:49 · answer #10 · answered by voidedius 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋