And for a controlled experiment we would have to do this at least twice, carefully changing one variable each time. For now we must content ourselves with data from a few distant laboratories, and invent theories after the fact for ancient experiments beyond our design. For those scratching their heads and wondering why they should be interested in planetary science, a quick read of the Prelude and the final few pages of the book will make you wishing you had become interested in the topic long ago.
Consciousness breeds responsibility.
There are varying degrees of consciousness. Chapter 5 sometimes left me feeling like I was reading a travel book about a place I had never been to nor ever plan on visiting. Other than that stretch, however, the book is rarely dull. The author mixes in his brand of humor and wit throughout. I enjoyed the wisecracks incorporated as footnotes, but some may wish to skip them.