Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization

· Macmillan Audio · Narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson
4.8
73 reviews
Audiobook
7 hr 17 min
Unabridged
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About this audiobook

"This engaging, conversational book begs to be read aloud, and who better than its author?... Tyson’s warmth and erudition make him a superb narrator of this excellent, thought-provoking book."- Library Journal

"Like a spaceship traveling the stars, Tyson's voice flows smoothly as he delivers complex topics and positive perspectives on the future..."- AudioFile


This program is read by the author, world-renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Bringing his cosmic perspective to civilization on Earth, Neil deGrasse Tyson shines new light on the crucial fault lines of our time—war, politics, religion, truth, beauty, gender, and race—in a way that stimulates a deeper sense of unity for us all.


In a time when our political and cultural views feel more polarized than ever, Tyson provides a much-needed antidote to so much of what divides us, while making a passionate case for the twin chariots of enlightenment—a cosmic perspective and the rationality of science.

After thinking deeply about how science sees the world and about Earth as a planet, the human brain has the capacity to reset and recalibrates life’s priorities, shaping the actions we might take in response. No outlook on culture, society, or civilization remains untouched.

With crystalline prose, Starry Messenger walks us through the scientific palette that sees and paints the world differently. From insights on resolving global conflict to reminders of how precious it is to be alive, Tyson reveals, with warmth and eloquence, an array of brilliant and beautiful truths that apply to us all, informed and enlightened by knowledge of our place in the universe.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company.

Ratings and reviews

4.8
73 reviews
AKA Willis
July 18, 2023
A book I will be listening to a lot. I have always been fascinated by 2 things which is comedy and science. This book has a great sense of humor along with carefully chosen words to accurately describe some of the world's greatest issues from a cosmic perspective.
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nick Loe
October 24, 2022
God I love this man's point of view the way he looks at things the way he takes his time to understand and to look at situations from different viewpoints it's a beautiful thing I wish more people would do it sure he does say some things that pisses people off or puts his foot in his mouth but that's anybody who's ever had an idea or a viewpoint I highly recommend this book
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Anthony Bonavia
May 19, 2023
I could hear this man recite the alphabet and be totally captivated 😄.. But in all seriousness a great book
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About the author

Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist and the author of the #1 bestselling Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, among other books. He is the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, where he has served since 1996. Dr. Tyson is also the host and cofounder of the Emmy-nominated popular podcast StarTalk and its spinoff StarTalk Sports Edition, which combine science, humor, and pop culture. He is a recipient of 21 honorary doctorates, the Public Welfare Medal from the National Academy of Sciences, and the Distinguished Public Service Medal from NASA. Asteroid 13123 Tyson is named in his honor. He lives in New York City.

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