Reaching for the Stars: Carl Sagan’s Contact and the Quest for Meaning

Carl Sagan is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant minds I’ve had the pleasure of exploring through his writing. Earlier this year, I embarked on a journey through Sagan’s works—a decision that came about almost on a whim. I had made a New Year’s resolution to read more non-fiction, and in January, I picked up Cosmos. I was blown away.

From there, I read Pale Blue Dot, followed by The Dragons of Eden, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark, and Billions and Billions: Thoughts on Life and Death at the Brink of the Millennium. Each book left me more enamoured than the last. Sagan's ability to convey dense, complex concepts with such eloquence and clarity is nothing short of brilliant.

Initially, I didn’t plan to immerse myself so deeply in Sagan’s catalogue. But as I turned the final pages of Cosmos, I couldn’t resist diving headfirst into more of his work. His voice, his ideas—they simply resonate with me.

When I picked up Contact, it was no different. I wasn’t surprised at all by how much I loved it. The book feels like a culmination of his non-fiction and essays, woven into a scientifically rich work of fiction. It reads like a companion piece to The Demon-Haunted World, so much so that I’d argue it’s essential reading to fully appreciate the broader ideas Sagan explored. That’s not to say these books must be read in a particular order, but enjoying one will undoubtedly enhance the experience of the other. Contact makes it clear where many of its ideas originated.

One of Sagan’s most impressive feats is his ability to navigate the interplay between religion and science—two deeply contested subjects—with breathtaking ease. In Contact, he takes the principles of clear, rational thought from his nonfiction works and integrates them seamlessly into a deeply entertaining narrative.

That said, Contact is a slow burn. It’s quite technical, which might deter some readers who find it dry. But I urge anyone who picks it up to give it a chance. In my opinion, the deliberate pacing works exceptionally well as Sagan balances philosophy and science on a razor’s edge with effortless grace.

Everything he’s written (at least, what I’ve read so far) feels purposeful. Whether he’s discussing humanity’s place among the cosmos, reflecting on our “pale blue dot,” or exploring skepticism and religion, each idea fits perfectly into his broader narrative. And there’s so much more to unpack.

Contact is not only a great entry point into Sagan’s vision of humanity, but it’s also a fantastic standalone story. The narrative remains grounded, set mostly on Earth, with technology that feels plausible and rooted in reality—only stretching into the speculative where necessary to tell this epic story of humanity’s place among the stars. The level of detail is astonishing.

Interestingly, I find it hard to categorize Contact purely as a science fiction novel. Perhaps this is a semantic argument, but to me, it feels more like a fictionalized exploration of his scientific ideas. It’s every bit as quintessentially “Sagan” as his non-fiction works.

The book tackles profound philosophical questions with incredible nuance. Questions like, “What is God?” and “What would happen if we discovered a more intelligent presence in the universe?” are explored in ways that leave a lasting impact.

While this review may feel more like a love letter to Carl Sagan than a focused critique of Contact, I think that’s a testament to the man himself. His brilliance, humanity, and unique outlook on the universe shine through in every word he wrote. Contact is no exception.

If you’re a fan of science fiction, this book is a must-read. If you’re someone who values clear thought and seeks to understand the world around you (and I hope that applies to everyone), pick up this book. But don’t stop there. Dive into the rest of Sagan’s works—they’re profoundly important.

Carl Sagan’s contributions to bringing science into public consciousness cannot be overstated. For that, I’m endlessly grateful. He has had a profound impact on my life, and I’m confident that if you give his work a chance, you’ll feel the same way.

“It’s far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.”
– Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark