The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark – Carl Sagan

Pseudoscience is embraced, it might be argued, in exact proportion as real
science is misunderstood – except that the language breaks down here. If you’ve
never heard of science (to say nothing of how it works), you can hardly be aware
you’re embracing pseudoscience. You’re simply thinking in one of the ways that
humans always have. Religions are often the state-protected nurseries of
pseudoscience, although there’s no reason why religions have to play that role. In
a way, it’s an artefact from times long gone. In some countries nearly everyone
believes in astrology and precognition, including government leaders. But this is
not simply drummed into them by religion; it is drawn out of the enveloping
culture in which everyone is comfortable with these practices, and affirming
testimonials are everywhere.