Cosmic bullsh*t A guide to the galaxy's worst life hacks

Ferrie's latest "Bullsh*t" title (after Quantum Bullsh*t, 2023) takes on some of the most pernicious anti-science conspiracy theories with his trademark snark, put-downs, and pop culture references. He confronts stories about the origin of life, astrology, aliens, time travel, and the end of the world, taking readers through various non-scientific beliefs and summarizing the best current understanding science gives us. It has all the ingredients his fans have come to expect. He's mostly preaching to the choir, as it's hard to image this will appeal to anyone who doesn't already agree with him, and he doesn't really offer any new information on any of these topics. Nevertheless, it's a solid overview of the real science behind the conspiracies. Perhaps most interesting, and what gives his work real depth, is the nuance with which he treats both science and non-scientific beliefs: despite the damage conspiracy theories can do, they tap into the essential human need for storytelling, and science can too easily become another form of dogma. Both are at their best when we embrace empathy, fascination, and inherent complexity.