A fun mix of essays covering topics and ideas circling the usually rather dry spot of philosophy of science. Sagan talks about the gaia theory, us and the microbes, life's purpose of reducing gradients, the kermitronic predicament, ecodelic trips, science vs science wars. His writing is incredibly entertaining, in parts very personal and always very smart. I feel like i missed out on many witty jokes by not being familiar with all the science, philosophy, literature and pop-culture references he makes, but i definitely enjoyed all the ones i got.