Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization Hardcover – September 20, 2022

Neil deGrasse Tyson has a rare gift: he combines a deeply scientific mind with humor, humility, and an awareness of social issues. I have always appreciated the way he communicates complex ideas with clarity and warmth. This book is a great example of that. The book explores the universe through a cosmic lens, reminding us how small our problems are and how much more alike we are than different. It is thought-provoking without being heavy, inspiring without being preachy. I truly enjoyed it and came away feeling both smarter and more connected to the world.

While familiar with WHO Neil deGrasse Tyson is, this is the first of his books I’ve read. Concerned it would be scientifically difficult to read, I found it very reasonable to comprehend.For a foundation, I am an ordained protestant pastor with an undergraduate degree in psychology (minor is philosophy) and a masters degree in divinity with an emphasis in theology and biblical interpretation. I dare to open my mind to other’s viewpoints and allow truth to guide my thoughts.I appreciate the author’s perspective for this work: a Cosmic Perspective well beyond what many hold. Tyson fairly engages Christianity along with science and fact. To be clear, science and God, as understood through my protestant eyes, is fully compatible. In fact, in the current environment of alternative facts and misinformation, Tyson cuts through the chatter with scientific facts and truths.This is a timely book, which some may find difficulty if truths confront unsubstantiated viewpoints — either religious or political. This is the point. From the Christian viewpoint God created all that is and ever will be. Science bears this out, does not compete, but lives in harmony with divine truths. More so, as Tyson dares to bring politics in where facts and truth still reign supreme.Starry Messenger provides the framework for one to draw back, for a much wider viewpoint, and view our world from a distant cosmic perspective, illustrating the points that often we are too close to our own tribe, thus not allowing room for the other. Tyson’s work, in my opinion, reminds me of Jesus’ words: Love others as yourself. To this, humanity is sometimes failing miserably when we allow ourselves to see us as one superior race, which in fact is erroneous as we are one.Treat yourself to a wonderful book, brilliantly composed, and logically presented. As a bonus, the careful reader will ‘hear’ the infectious humor of Neil deGrasse Tyson.

So the author suggests we read this book before Thanksgiving. That mission has been accomplished. Now I need to determine how to use this information so that my time has been worth while. My biggest takeaway is put in words by Mr. Tyson, very eloquently, as to what I have already intuitively known. I happened to be reading this book around a bunch of Cowboys at a cutting horse show when I got to the chapter on Color and Race. Believe it or not, all the Cowboys I know, are the least racist people I have ever come in contact with in my life. A cowboy is impressed with skill, honesty and hard work. We've witnessed one legged, one armed and all multiple colors riders do extrodinary things with and on horses. Not once have I heard, he/she rides great for a one legged rider. They either ride great or they don't. So reading out loud, while sitting in our lawn chairs along side our trailers, I read excerpts from the Chapter on Race & Color as my own personal experiment. The reader may think the opportunity for inapproriate comments would be greatly enhanced. Not a word of that sort was brought up even though enlightening discussions was held.Now in all honesty, that same thought provacative discussion on the subject matter of politics would not have gone so well. Therefore, I chose not to bring that topic up.More specifically, this book encourages the reader to realize even a pancake has two sides. Before taking a position on a subject matter, such as politics, research and learn the actual data points before robotically taking the word of a media talking head. Sometimes the outcome is unpleasant because it doesn't take ones myopic view of the matter into consideration.The author just really encourages thinking. I'm for thinking!Now my only bone to pick at all is the idea California would be a good state for his rational virtual country Mr. Tyson calls Rationalia. In his defense he did say California would be a state that would jump on this opportunity. He did not clarify if they would be a good choice or that leadership in that state has in recent years shown any rational thinking.Please allow me this one observation without studying the data points regarding their fitness for rational thinking.Very good book! Buy it!