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Description
Understanding the Present: Science and the Soul of Modern ManIn a brilliant and explosively controversial work, the author attacks modern science for destroying our spiritual sense of self. What is the role of science in present day society? Should we be as dazzled as we are by the innovations, the insights, and the miraculous improvements in material life that science has wrought? Or is there a darker, more pernicious side to our scientific success? Renowned British science columnist Bryan Appleyard thoroughly
In a brilliant and explosively controversial work, the author attacks modern science for destroying our spiritual sense of self. What is the role of science in present-day society? Should we be as dazzled as we are by the innovations, the insights, and the miraculous improvements in material life that science has wrought? Or is there a darker, more pernicious side to our scientific success? Renowned British science columnist Bryan Appleyard thoroughly explores each of these provocative topics in a book that has incited the ire of the scientific community. He points out that while scientists have shaped our lives and our beliefs, they have consistently failed to explain human consciousness, the soul, or the meaning of life. From Galileo to Darwin, from Copernicus to Oppenheimer, countless scientists have proclaimed a universe in which human beings are only an accidental presence. The unwitting result is that science has cast humankind adrift, paralyzing us with fear and cutting us off from personal or religious truth. In Appleyard's view, science has done us "appalling spiritual damage." These startling conclusions have prompted strong counterattacks from the scientific establishment. Yet regardless of where one falls in the debate, Understanding the Present forces readers to re-examine society's blind faith in the benevolence of modern science. "An exposition that is dazzling for its concrete illustrations and examples."--The New York Times"A withering indictment of modern science . . . This should crack a few test tubes."--Kirkus Reviews
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Anchor Books
Published: 02/01/1994
ISBN: 9780385420983
Pages: 288
Weight: 0.84lbs
Size: 8.36h x 5.74w x 0.73d
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4.7 ★★★★★
Based on 801 reviews
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Product Reviews
★★★★★ 4
Instructions are useless
Size: 1 Panel
The instructions are poorly written and not very helpful. The divider itself is easy to assemble, and honestly, it would’ve been quicker if I had skipped the directions altogether. Once put together, though, it works as intended.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2026
★★★★★ 5
This was the best
Size: 1 Panel
This divider is great for creating a little privacy or separating a small area without taking up much space. The fabric is thick enough to block visual clutter, and the frame is lightweight but stable once it’s opened. It folds flat for storage, which is convenient if you only need it occasionally. Assembly was straightforward, and it was the perfect size. It’s a practical piece for apartments, studios, or home offices where you want a quick, temporary partition.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Good privacy screen
Size: 1 Panel, Size: 1 Panel
This is a good privacy screen that's easy to assemble and looks nice. Be a little careful moving it, as the corners can twist. It's sturdy once in place, and the thick material is completely opaque. If the folds bother you, you might want to iron it, but I'm happy with it as is.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2026
★★★★★ 3
Lightweight divider that works well for video call backgrounds
Size: 1 Panel
This divider works fine for what it is, but it’s definitely on the lightweight side.
Setup was very easy and only took a few minutes. The frame is fairly light, so it’s easy to move around or reposition if needed. That said, the tradeoff is that it’s not especially sturdy. It stands fine on its own but I wouldn’t expect it to handle much bumping or movement.
I mainly bought it to use as a background for Zoom calls when I’m working from my den, and for that purpose it works great. The fabric panel blocks the room behind me and gives a cleaner background on camera.
It’s not huge though. To keep the camera from seeing around it, I have to position it directly behind my chair. If you’re expecting it to divide a large room or create a big privacy barrier, it may feel a bit small.
Overall, it does the job and works well for temporary setups or video call backgrounds, but the lightweight frame keeps it from feeling like a premium divider.
The product description and photos are accurate.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2026
★★★★★ 2
Sent Wrong Pieces
Size: 1 Panel, Size: 1 Panel
I really, really wanted to like this - and, in theory, I really, really should have! The instructions were easy to follow and assembly took about five minutes. The assembled screen is lightweight and easy to move. It was a great size and exactly what I was looking for except....I wasn't sent the correct pieces. Instead of receiving 4 elbow pieces and 4 feet, I received 2 elbow pieces and 8 feet - meaning that the bottom part of the fabric just hangs there and, overall, the divider is extremely unstable because there is no horizontal support on the bottom. Thankfully, there are Velcro tabs on the side of the fabric so I can use it if I don't plan to move it even 1 cm, but otherwise, what I received is not usable for what I needed it for. Additionally, the fabric is made of polyester and catches animal hair very easily. Had I received the correct pieces, this would be a good buy for the money. Unfortunately, overall, I'm disappointed.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2026