Book Review: Bad Science by Ben Goldacre Is a Chance to Understand a Worth of Knowledge

One decade ago, the name of Ben Goldacre was just the name of an ordinary man, a successful student, who decided to connect his future with medicine and be helpful to people. Nowadays, his name is known to many people around the whole as the writer of a magnificent book Bad Science. Mr. Goldacre could hardly believe that his decision to write for The Guardian would change his life forever. His first Guardian columns were noticed at once: his desire to criticize the existing healthcare system, his passionate look at the medical services offered to people, and his ability to reveal true intentions of media, scientific and marketing concepts draw the attention of many people.

The creation of the book based on the same issues was the question of time. Bad Science was a real breakthrough in literature as well as in the spheres, discussed in the book. For some people, it was a chance to understand the true worth of knowledge and theory gained in different institutions; for some, it turned out to be a real danger for their business; and for many others, it was a chance to see and comprehend how diverse and unstable the world of science could be.

No, it is not Goldacre’s revenge. It is not a desire to frustrate someone’s plans. It is a collection of one person’s thoughts on everything that happens around. His education and personal experience allow him to present interesting examples, give clear explanations, and provoke the reader to think over each word written or promise heard.

The decision to use humor and not to impress the reader with too complicated and unclear terms seems to be the key of his book’s success. Through the lines of Goldacre’s book, it is possible to see that such spheres like medicine, science, and media have signed a kind of agreement many years ago in order to support each other and prove the worth of each action chosen. Journalists, who do not have any medical qualification or degree, are ready to explain the necessity of ear candling, for example (Goldacre, 2010). What is more important, they get certain support and explanations given by some medical/scientific representatives.

The point is that many people are ready to pay their attention to a new service or idea just because it is “one of the most grandiose innovations of marketers, lifestyle gurus, and alternative therapists” (Goldacre, 2010, p. 11). Goldacre is not afraid to give the names of the organization that are involved in such kind of merchandizing. He is ready to give lessons just to explain that there is no need to hurry up and make use of everything offered. There are so many actions that can be done by a person independently to improve physical and emotional conditions. Of course, people may use time consuming and expensive services, which are promoted by means of media. Still, the question is if it is necessary.

There are more than 10 intriguing chapters in Bad Science. Some of them will show the reader a true face of medical evil. Mr. Goldacre also gives an answer to a simple question: why do smart people still believe in stupid things? What makes knowledge worthwhile? Why is science bad? Who should take responsibility of the quality of information and services offered? Should people blame themselves for their blinded trust to widespread information?

The book Bad Science is a true bestseller that helps the reader to understand what kind of information should be perceived and how the process of perception should be organized. Mr. Goldacre creates a work that has not to be read, but it expected to be understood. Science, technology, medicine, and even journalism are not bad by their nature, but people try to use unfair methods to achieve desirable results and benefit promoting lies and supporting quacks. The time to stop injustice in the world may never come; nevertheless, the Goldacre’s Bad Science is a good chance to realize that there is a necessity to change something in this life.

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