Michael Shermer’s newest work is a keen edge in a world of dull blades. Finally someone has come along and written on this subject providing actual scientific basis and biological evidence pointing to Man’s never ending struggle with his own brain and its propensity to paint itself into a corner.
Shermer writes in a style that echoes his own brilliant personality and down to earth humanity. He is detailed and thorough and has a list of supporting studies and data that will keep a fastidious reader busy for at least a year.
Shermer’s compassion and humanity comes out immediately in the first few chapters as he out lines his motivations for writing this work through case studies and personal anecdotal experience. True to form Shermer does not stop there. He continues to build a cogent argument and constructs a solid line of reasoning based on a plethora of sources, studies and writings, and he completes the book with practical hands on information and descriptions of common biases, Effects, heuristics and beliefs. The final chapters are expository examples of historical belief systems and how men were able to overcome biased beliefs through application of rational scientific thought.
The book was easy to read and technically detailed and leaves the reader with more than enough food for thought and tools for debate.