“Frankly, you people are working at a detail level that is beyond me. I just listen to what the scientists say-“ – Peter Evans
No, I was not drawn to this passage because I know little to nothing regarding the facts about global warming... okay well maybe.
Well, my level of excitement while buying a nearly 800-page book from the bookstore focusing on global warming must have been obvious as the cashier said “I hope you have a bottle of wine ready”. I thought to myself “well no I don’t and now I get to sit and read a book throwing information my way about global warming”. However, as I am sure many of us have experienced, Michael Crichton presently surprised me with his style of writing and way of presenting information.
Immediately after reading this quote by Evan's as he is being interviewed by the Vanutu Litigation Team I scrounged around my room looking for a highlighter. This immediately made me think of circulating reference, I felt that although it is simple it is very important..where does truth come from?
The quote I picked from the book made perfect sense to me. My “truth” for anything science related normally comes from what “real scientists” have to say regarding the subject. Global warming for me is exactly what Evan’s describes: ”the heating up of earth from burning fossil fuels” (At least this is what I have been told…). While studying the graphs that were introduced during his interview, starting on page 107, I found myself following along answering the questions as if I were the one in the interview room. I asked myself where does my information or “truth” about global warming really come from? If I really had been the one being interviewed would this information presented and the way it can be disputed changed my views?. I am just starting out with the juicy arguments as to what “truth” for the charecters really is and where it comes from as the different sides begin to surface. I am excited to read this book because I enjoy how Crichton is presenting the information.
Although I do agree that the characters are cliché as hell and it is written at a fourth-grade reading level, I am intrigued and excited to stay up the rest of the night and finish. Can my opinions can be changed? Will Crichton help me find my “truth” about global warming…. if only it wasn’t fiction.
I laughed during this entire posting because it was exactly how I had felt about the book. The idea of once again discussing global warming and how the United States was the bad guy for being wasteful with our abundant amounts of money is sickening. I really hope also, that Crichton will change part of my thoughts on the topic and maybe not leave such a bitter taste in my mouth regarding the topic. I like your Evans quote too, exactly how I feel about this subject matter.
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