Book Report: The Demon-Haunted World (Science As a Candle in the Dark) by Carl Sagan

    Carl Sagan starts off the book by introducing his fascination to science as a child and how the World Fair and the ideas of using science to create a "Jetsons" world was something that was exhilarating. He also mentions an experience he had with a driver who asked him questions that were obviously pseudoscience and when he mentions Atlantis or the Bermuda triangle, he ponders at why people would rather be more excited about magic crystals and missing aircraft instead of using science and being more fascinated about physics and why gravity is more fascinating. His book literally debunks and makes readers question why something so massively popular in belief, like miracles or aliens, is a better explanation to things than science itself. He provides a lot of examples and a variety of beliefs that people usually hold and also provides facts and history of scientific breakthroughs. Sagan touches so many myths and topics but it was a read that is worth considering and I believe will always be relevant for years to come. Unless, everyone begins to rely on science more instead and approaches things with a more scientific approach.

    Although I do believe science is something that can solve a lot of unanswered questions, there is a small part of my mind that thinks there are things that cannot be explained through science. Things that are philosophical are definitely a topic that cannot be measured through scientific graphs and calculations but I believe that most people should allow to be open to science as apart of their lives. There are people who are completely consumed by a certain belief or religion and do not even consider science as an explanation. I enjoyed reading this book because it challenges the myths and legends that I also used to believe when I was younger. You do not have to be a scientist or an engineer to really think this way towards the ideas of ghosts and demons. As long as you think realistically then you can really rid most of the things that we mostly fear. This book  really screams "knowledge is power" and I like how it encourages people to really question theories and to actually test and assess as well as challenge things, apart from being a sheep and following what majority of the population may think. The number one thing that really stood out to me is when Sagan says that believing in things like the Earth being flat or that witches are the scapegoats for things just makes humanity move backwards. If we approach things more with a scientific perspective then we can move forward and maybe even achieve amazing things. 

Black Cats: Superstitions & Myths

I've had two black cats and both have been awesome companions. There's also a colony of feral cats living in the woods near my house. At one time, absolutely all of them were 100% black in color. Some people have made comments about them being unlucky because of their coat color and I've always replied, "They're the sweetest, most friendly feral cats I've ever met," and that is why some have been and hopefully all will eventually be, adopted to good loving homes. It amazes me the idiotic things some people choose to believe.

Here in the West, in the past and yes, even to this day, these beautifully black furry felines have been targeted, abused and killed based on superstitions and myths (stupidity). Many animal shelters will not permit the adoption of a black cat around Halloween for this very reason. Unfortunately, the entertainment industry has both perpetuated and capitalized on such beliefs. In Janet Jackson's song, "Black Cat," she sings: "Black cat, nine lives, short days, long nights, livin' on the edge, not afraid to die, heart beat real strong, but not for long, better watch your step or you're gonna die," making an obvious reference to the most popular black cat myth. And in the movie "Hocus Pocus," Thackery Binx is turned into a black cat by the Sanderson sisters (witches). Watch clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvL1eju7UaU

Historically, the belief that "it's bad luck if a black cat crosses your path," began not long after the pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock. Devout Christians believed they were symbolic of evil or the devil's presence. It was common to assume a black cat was a so-called witch's familiar (companion), or used in rituals and some even believed the so-called witches could transform themselves and actually become black cats. So strong were these beliefs that anyone caught with a black cat would be severly punished or put to death. It was common practice to burn both the "witch" and the cat at the stake. Where did these wild ideas come from? It is thought that various Christian groups were paranoid of the cat's agility and of ancient Egypt's deep appreciation of them. There is absolutely no reason and no scientific proof whatsoever that a black cat brings bad luck to anyone.

Contrary to what we usually hear, black cats have also been associated with good luck. Ancient Egyptians regarded them with respect and as such, they were treated as royalty. If one was intentionally killed, it was a capital offense. Egyptians would even mummify black cats to preserve them for the afterlife. (Yes Egypt, you rock for loving cats!) Some people believe if a black cat crosses their path, it's actually good luck. Fisherman's wives would keep a black cat for protection while their husbands were out at sea. Such cats were often stolen as they were considered extremely valuable. In Scotland, a black kitty arriving on your porch brings prosperity. In Britain, a young woman who owns a black cat will have many suitors and owning a black cat is lucky, seeing one by accident is considered unlucky. In France, owning a black cat with even one white hair is super lucky. Thank you Japan, for changing your minds (superstitions) and believing in the innocence and harmlessness of the black cat today.


Sources:

http://www.petside.com/the-sidewalk/black-cat-myths.php
http://www.timelessmyths.co.uk/a-black-cat-crossing-your-path.html
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/janetjackson/blackcat.html
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107120/
http://thundafunda.com/393/images/wallpapers/cat-pictures-2/cat-pictures-black-cat-577.jpg (image source)