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Breaking the Spell

Religion as a Natural Phenomenon

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About this listen

For all the thousands of books that have been written about religion, few until this one have attempted to examine it scientifically: to ask why - and how - it has shaped so many lives so strongly. Is religion a product of blind evolutionary instinct or rational choice? Is it truly the best way to live a moral life?

Ranging through biology, history, and psychology, Daniel C. Dennett charts religion’s evolution from “wild” folk belief to “domesticated” dogma. Not an antireligious creed but an unblinking look beneath the veil of orthodoxy, Breaking the Spell will be read and debated by believers and skeptics alike.

©2006 Daniel C. Dennett (P)2013 Audible, Inc. History & Philosophy Philosophy Religious Studies Science Social Sciences Morality
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This is such a well researched and well written book. It would have been infinitely better if the author had read it.

Great book, robotic narration

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Interesting substance lost in style meltdown. Dennett would do well to read Pinker's The Sense of Style.

Style guide needed

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Struggled to finish.Ifound the narrator incredibly boring. Didn't make it interesting at all. Shame Dennett doesn't do it

Interesting Let down by narrator

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Phenomenal book, wonderfully written by the amazing Daniel C. Dennett, beautifully narrated by Dennis Holland, was hard to put the book down, I loved every moment!!!

Phenomenal book, stunning narrator!!!

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Although I respect Dennett’s live & let live attitude I’m not sure the Christian nationalist right is singing from the same hymn sheet. Well written tho.

Time has outrun this.

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