Are we on the brink of a new Dark Age of irrationality and superstition? In this stirring, brilliantly argued book, Carl Sagan shows how scientific thinking is necessary to safeguard our democratic institutions and our technical civilization. "The Demon-Haunted World" is more personal and richer in moving, revealing human stories than anything Sagan has ever written. From his childhood experience, to engrossing tales of discovery, Sagan shows how the method of scientific thought can cut through prejudice and hysteria and uncover the often surprising truth. Sagan convincingly debunks "alien abduction," "channellers," faith-healer fraud, the "face" on Mars, and much else. Along the way, he refutes the argument that science destroys spirituality or is just another arbitrary belief system, asks why scientific study is often stigmatized, discusses the dangers of the misuse of science, and provides a "baloney detection kit" for thinking through political, social, religious, and other issues.