Book Review: Kicking the Sacred Cow

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Kicking the Sacred Cow     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
James P. Hogan
Class/Genre:   Non-Fiction
Baen, Jul 2004, $24.00, 374 pp.

James P. Hogan makes a strong case that much of the scientific interpretation of data pertaining to a wealth of subjects is subjective (tainted by the person’s assumptions of what to expect or the community’s bias) as opposed to an objective analysis. Using numerous examples to make his point like global warming, the expanding universe (big bang, crunch, and all in between), and evolution, etc., Mr. Hogan evaluates commonly known data but draws radically different conclusions from them. His point is not to disprove the accepted theories, but to demonstrate that other interpretations are as valid. At times the empirical data and Mr. Hogan’s drill can become quite complex, which will lead to many readers like this reviewer taking several days and rereads to follow the logic on a particular topic. Though not quite as proven, Mr. Hogan believes a major problem is the government funding of science often leads to political decisions on grants and tenure. However, it is the alternative possibilities that make this an excellent insightful book. No cow remains sacred even the icons Darwin and Einstein are challenged. Ironically even Velikovsky, a 1950s radical, who’s Worlds in Collision shook the science community, receives a boot or two. Terrific work that makes the case that big government spending big money stifles creative thinking with fantastic but complicated examples.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner