Review: Truth by Michael Shermer

 

Truth is the latest book by Skeptic publisher Michael Shermer. I am a subscriber to Skeptic (the actual print version) and a regular listener to Dr. Shermer’s self-titled podcast. I think the only bad aspect of this is that I’ve heard mention previously of many of the points Michael puts forth in the book. But that isn’t a criticism of the book. After all, it’s not like there’s a surprise ending to spoil!

I think the idea of writing a book on truth is a very good idea. There’s so much misinformation, myths, and just outright lies perpetuated by the speed of our current social media friendly society. So…does this book meet expectations? Let’s take a look.

The first part of the book discusses how we know something is true and how we know something isn’t. The second part has less definite things such as myths, history and morality. The final section covers concepts such as consciousness and gods, which are hard to evaluate for truth.

 

 

 

I’m trying to keep this brief, so I’ll just say the earlier sections were my favorite, as there’s a real way to figure out the truth of something like evolution or global warming, than the subjects of the later chapters such as whether or not there are scientific arguments for god. ButI also think it’s important to distinguish between the things we can prove and the things that really do come down to belief.

I’ll just give one example: alien life and UFOs. I believe there is probably life out there in the cosmos somewhere, because we know there are billions of planets in the universe. It makes sense that we are not living on the only inhabited planet. However, belief in this does not mean we are being visited by little green men and the government is keeping it from us for some nefarious reason. I can’t prove either, but there’s evidence in the first situation, and just “belief” in the second. I think there’s a big difference there.

Finally, I’ll mention something I learned from this book: Japanese deniers of the cruel tactics perpetuated by their own soldiers during WWII. With so much mention of Holocaust deniers, or deniers of the true cause of the US Civil War (i.e. slavery) I’ve never thought about deniers from other countries. But of course, there must be. How sad and infuriating. I hope the truth prevails in the minds of future generations.

Review: The Warden

 The Warden is another independent comic I picked up at the SPACE convention earlier this year. That's the joy of attending a small press con: getting to check out the comics being made by creative people who are outside the mainstream. But I don't want to drift from my intended review so I'll get on with it!

 

 

The Warden is about a prison guard with extraordinary abilities. He becomes a vigilante striving to make his city a better place. Sounds pretty typical comic-book so far. But, as they say, all stories have been told--you need to tell them in a new way. I think The Warden does this by creating interesting characters and making a very realistic vigilante story, that is still comic-booky. 

 

The story starts with an amazing and tragic birth and then introduces a horrible villain. We're introduced to some supporting characters- a journalist and a detective- with some very realistic conversations that introduce their personal and employment situations. The reporter who wants some fame, and the detective who wants by-the-book justice. So the good guys, bad guys, and conflict are introduced by the end of issue one and really make yo ready for part 2! Also, there are several scenes that are frightening! This is a very well written story.

And the art is just about perfect! It fits the down-and gritty setting and tells the story seamlessly. The characters all have a unique look and the anatomy and backgrounds are great! I love it!

My plan is to grab more of the story when I see the creators in person. Though if I miss them I'm gonna have to order some! It's too good to stop now!

You can check out The Warden and other Ironclad comics here!