Book · 1997 · Pseudowissenschaft
Why People Believe Weird Things
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I don't count until Why People Believe Weird Things, my first book in 1997.
Michael Shermer · The Rubin Report · Jan 2026 Listen at 2:44 The best things said about it
He was called, "Why People Believe Weird Things", and it was such a simple look, I was fascinated at the time with clubs and groups and organizations and cults and passwords, right, all of that stuff, you know?
Why people recommend it
Why People Believe Weird Things by Michael Shermer is a classic exploration of pseudoscience, superstition, and the psychological mechanisms that drive irrational beliefs in modern society. On an episode of The Rubin Report, Michael Shermer discussed the historical arc of his writing career, identifying this work as his very first published book from 1997. Mike Rowe also mentioned the book on The Rubin Report, reflecting on how its straightforward examination of fringe ideas, cults, and closed organizations left a lasting impression on his thinking regarding rational discourse and group dynamics. Additionally, Joe Rogan discussed the themes of the book on The Joe Rogan Experience while analyzing the broader cultural landscape of skepticism and credulity alongside Neil deGrasse Tyson. These podcast references underscore the enduring relevance of Shermer's work as a foundational text for critical thinking and scientific skepticism. The book continues to serve as an accessible and vital resource for readers seeking to understand why humans frequently embrace paranormal claims, conspiracy theories, and questionable dogmas in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Every mention
Joe Rogan so this he's got a whole book called why why we believe weird things 1
“so this he's got a whole book called why why we believe weird things”
Michael Shermer I don't count until Why People Believe Weird Things, my first book in 1997. 1
“I don't count until Why People Believe Weird Things, my first book in 1997.”
Mike Rowe He was called, "Why People Believe Weird Things", and it was such a simple look, I was fascinated at the ti… 1
“He was called, "Why People Believe Weird Things", and it was such a simple look, I was fascinated at the time with clubs and groups and organizations and cults and passwords, right, all of that stuff, you know?”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
Other mentions (5: passing, ad reads, own books)
“First real book as Mr. Skeptic was "Why People Believe Weird Things", in 1997.”
“You know, I remember that, when my first book came out, I went on G. Gordon Liddy's radio show, in Washington DC, "Why People Believe Weird Things", so...”
“yeah carl sagan had a great line that i i quoted in my first book why people believe were things on the the kind of healthy skepticism”
“look at you skeptic magazine that's the latest issue why is there something rather than nothing”
“and I thought that's an interesting Niche to have and and so that just got bigger and bigger in my first book why people believe where things came out in 97 and about that time ocidental College was going through a financial crisis and they were letting go their adjuncts”