This is the latest book by renowned scientist and popularizer of science Carl Sagan. In his characteristically lucid and visual manner, Sagan shows how knowledge in the field of science and mathematics is applied to our daily lives, and also considers the most important issues related to the environment and the future of mankind. His field of interest is wide and varied: he moves easily from the invention of chess to the possibility of life on Mars, from the origins of our passion for football to the relationship between the United States and Russia, from global warming to the debate about a woman's right to an abortion. In the last essay, which the author wrote while struggling with a terminal illness, his revelations regarding the love of family and personal relationship to death and God are presented.