For Small Creatures Such as We: Rituals for Finding Meaning in Our Unlikely World

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 753 ratings

Price: 13.78

Last update: 08-26-2024


About this item

Part memoir, part guidebook, and part social history, For Small Creatures Such as We is the first book from the daughter of Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan - a luminous exploration of Earth's marvels that require no faith in order to be believed.

"What is the meaning of life? Sagan finds its meaning everywhere - with her family, around the world, and especially among the stars of the cosmos. Read her work; you'll have a deeper appreciation for your every step, every bite, and every breath." (Bill Nye)

Sasha Sagan was raised by secular parents, the astronomer Carl Sagan and the writer and producer Ann Druyan. They taught her that the natural world and vast cosmos are full of profound beauty, that science reveals truths more wondrous than any myth or fable.

When Sagan herself became a mother, she began her own hunt for the natural phenomena behind our most treasured occasions - from births to deaths, holidays to weddings, anniversaries, and more - growing these roots into a new set of rituals for her young daughter that honor the joy and significance of each experience without relying on religious framework.

As Sagan shares these rituals, For Small Creatures Such as We becomes a moving tribute to a father, a newborn daughter, a marriage, and the natural world - a celebration of life itself, and the power of our families and beliefs to bring us together.


Top reviews from the United States

Carl Scheider
5.0 out of 5 stars I LOVE this little book. Gave a copy to my granddaughter.
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2024
This is a wonderful little book by Carl Sagan's daughter. She has captured his joy at life and the universe and conveyed it with lovely stories and tales. Perfect. I trust my grandaughter is also enjoying it. We shall see. The values expressed are great, and the wonder of all of life is amazing.
Harold A. Geller
5.0 out of 5 stars A Sentimental Journey to a Philosophy of Life
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2024
The table of contents reminded me of an opening to an old 1960s medical show called Ben Casey. It started out with the symbols and words for man, woman, birth, death, infinity. The Sagan name and the starry background cover were probably enough to catch my interest. The book is called "a tribute and a love letter to my parents, Ann Druyan and Carl Sagan." I believe the author succeeded in her tribute. Very well played. It was a pleasure reading the book. The author's father would have been very proud. An upbeat philosophy of life acknowledging multicultural surroundings and a philosophy of nature as only Carl Sagan's daughter could have.
Elizabeth
4.0 out of 5 stars Ritual increases happiness and you don't need religion to develop ritual
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2021
I would have enjoyed this more if I didn't already know her main points. Nevertheless, she is right, she writes well and her memories of her father make for wonderful reading.
becky connolly
5.0 out of 5 stars As agnostic still puzzling out spirituality I loved it.
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2024
I was raised in Mormonism but left as an adult. It was difficult for me and caused existential crisis in me. It’s been 10 years. Losing my dad 4 years ago brought up a lot of my fear and concern being untethered now. I still consider my self spiritual I believe in something bigger than me but I distrust religion. Especially anything claiming complete truth and a need for a middle person to access truth. I very much value science and yet deeply feel that spirituality is important. This secular and scientific viewpoint has helped me process so much. And going over ritual and meaning as well has empowered me to create my own traditions or continue old ones that feel meaningful to me. Thank you Sasha your words have had great meaning to me.
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Its for anyone who wants to know how atheist find meaning
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2022
This book argues that the supernatural is not nessicary for spirituality. I didnt find the insights in this book very life changing because I am already a spiritual athiest. (The book is kind of about finding meaning through rituals as an athiest and I already do that) However, I found the book really pleasant and enjoyable to read.
If you are someone who is looking to find meaning as an athiest, this book is for you or if you want to know how people find meaning in life without God, this book may provide great insights. If you are already a spiritual athiest, you probably already know everything in this book, but I'd still recommend this book because it's very enjoyable and nice to read.
This book is also very popular among Atheopagans (pagan athiests) because they are religious but dont believe in the supernatural.
RelizzScholar27
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Resource for Understanding the Function & Significance of Rituals, Religious or Not
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2021
Students in my Atheism in America course had the opportunity to hear Sasha Sagan speak to the San Francisco Atheist Church, and devoured her book in the course. Sagan helps to illuminate the richness and diversity of the experiences of nonreligious people in America with graceful, accessible prose. The book also illustrates more broadly the function and significance of ritual practices in human life, religious and nonreligious. As such, it is a valuable resource for a wide range of readers.
stacy c.
4.0 out of 5 stars The Sagans are a freethinker dynasty
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2020
Would be 4.5. Sagan explains a way to have the human experience with a secular lens.
Jesus Reyes
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book- Definitely Needed in Today’s Social Climate
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2024
Sasha,

You are a definite tribute to your parents. I found the book inspiring. I will definitely be giving it as a gift to my children and friends. Thank you.

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