How Mumbo-Jumbo Conquered the World

If we hear a viewpoint repeated enough then we might begin to think that there must be something in it. Well, if you find yourself being pulled in that direction then I would recommend reading How Mumbo-Jumbo Conquered the World: A Short History of Modern Delusions by Francis Wheen

It seems to me that Wheen has two objectives in writing this book, firstly to show how the voice of unreason has increased in the last quarter century, and secondly to defend the values of the enlightenment. I feel that he doesn't really succeed in either. There may have been an increase in the number of people who aren't sure what they believe - but believe it verys strongly, but this book doesn't analyse such personal thoughts - its much more about politics. I would say that in this sphere there has always been a lot of Mumbo-Jumbo, and that current politics is more rational than that of much of the 20^th century.

I still think that the book is worth reading though. It may not be particularly deep, but it has plenty to amuse you, particularly if you like to see cultural icons brought down to size. It also helps to give you a healthy degree of scepticism, to guard against the nonsense that can be served up by the media.