Carl Sagan sums up my love for books most beautifully. Of course, he was also a most eminent scientist who became associated with the catchphrase "billions and billions" which eventually became the title of one of his books.
In this his final book - he died in 1996, aged 62 - he brilliantly examines the burning questions of our lives, our world, and the universe around us. "Billions and Billions" is a testament to one of the greatest scientific minds of our day. A much-read and much-loved copy takes pride of place in my library, but you can read it online at www.archive.org.
Speaking of which, there's an old joke about the planetarium lecturer who tells his audience that in 5 billion years the Sun will swell to become a bloated red giant, engulfing the planets Mercury and Venus and eventually perhaps even gobbling up the Earth. Afterward, an anxious member of the audience buttonholes him: "Excuse me, Doctor, did you say that the Sun will burn up the Earth in 5 billion years?" "Yes, more or less." "Thank God. For a moment I thought you said 5 million."
To read more about Carl Sagan, click here.
