Guy Harrison’s book “50 Popular Beliefs People Think are True” (Prometheus Books, Amherst, NY, 2012) contains 50 chapters, one for each belief category containing a variety of ideas that many believe to be true. Neither is true, or at least there is little to no credible evidence for these forms of belief reviewed and criticized by the author:

* Nine forms of magical thinking.

* Six varieties of unsubstantiated theories about elements of the world “out there,” including astrology, alien visitors, and fake moon landings.

* Seven notions that go against science and reason (for example, that the Holocaust never happened).

* Five forms of medical fantasy, such as homeopathy and faith healing.

* Twelve types of religious verbiage under the slogan “lure of the gods.”

* Four beliefs about “unusual beings”, specifically Bigfoot, angels, ghosts and witches.

* Four stories about “strange places”, including Atlantis, heaven and the Bermuda Triangle.

* Three strains of faulty cognition associated with a category Harrison calls “dreaming of the end,” such as “the Mayans warned us” or “the end is near.”

One need not be a Penn Jillette, James Randi, Harry Houdini, Michael Shermer, Paul Kurtz, Joe Nickell, or other famous or debunking practitioner of irrational insanity to have never believed for a moment in any of the 50 beliefs tested. When I started my own reading of “50 Popular Beliefs,” I certainly didn’t give credence to any of them, with the possible exception of belief #39, which says that “a TV preacher needs my money.” I mean, come on, who could watch Richard Roberts at what seems like a 24/7 non-stop fundraiser with prayer requests and calls to “plant seeds” (i.e. money) and not be overwhelmed by the need to send him as much money as one has? When I get on the 24-hour faith appeal infomeric channel, I’m so motivated to send money that I start filling out applications for second mortgages. But then the Lord tells me to stop.

Despite my already well-founded skepticism, I found each chapter interesting for at least 50 reasons. I don’t have the space or desire to list the 50 reasons I support this book. However, these are some of the features that I particularly enjoyed. Any of these satisfactions would make the book a winner for wellness seekers in my opinion:

* The Foreword: Dr. Phil Plaint explains that unfortunately, we are not born with a skeptic gene. Children are naturally eager to learn. They may be led to try out ideas instead of developing allegiances to these ideas. This type of learning can be a pre-science lesson. Revelations and assumptions complement each other, but reality is indifferent to what you believe, what you do, who you vote for, etc. The accumulation of faulty ideas over time is like building an upside-down pyramid: it is likely that at some point it will collide with reality. Understanding trumps belief.

* The Introduction: Skepticism is described as a kind of compass, invaluable in guiding the way through an often crazy world. The healthy and functional nature of skepticism is described as clear thinking for effective decision making. In addition, the often dangerous consequences of irrational beliefs are pointed out. The introduction serves to whet the mental appetite for the chapters that follow. The author notes that skepticism allows us to “forsake astrology for astronomy, see through the fog and find the stars, rise up and exist fully as thinking human beings.”

* The Chapters: Each chapter assesses a related set of irrational beliefs for which there is no critical and independent support (evidence). In addition, the author explains the applicable principles for evaluating claims. He also provides a critique of related ideas that are similarly false, a summary of what science offers as a reality-based alternative, and resources, books in particular, to “dig deeper.”

* A farewell summary and extensive notes on each chapter and an impressive biography and index.

This would be a great book to introduce to wellness programs. It would be a creative tool with which to introduce critical thinking lessons. The themes, after all, are familiar to everyone. The biggest hurdle is that many of the show’s participants may not accept some of the chapter themes, such as those dealing with the “appeal of the gods.” But, a qualified teacher, trainer or facilitator would get a lot of help from the material. The need for such information is the best reason to do it, despite the possibility of shaking things up a bit where nonsense abounds.

For the squeamish, such chapters can always be omitted from lesson plans—except in advanced wellness classes where participants have the maturity to handle controversy!

To his credit, Guy Harrison explores commonplace claims of an extraordinary nature in entertaining ways that can take some of the sting out of the reality checks he offers. There is more here than just a debunking of insanity, deceit, and unfounded beliefs. Scientific explanations are comprehensible and compelling, and discussions of science are far more interesting than the mysticism and nonsense of primitive claims. Also, the wonder of the universe, scientific discoveries, and legitimate mysteries are more inspiring than the superstitions they replace.

I appreciated the frequent humor Harrison interjects and his humility in making the point that a skeptical, science-dependent position should always remain open. It is possible, though unlikely, that an evidence-based view today could be overturned tomorrow. Unlike religion, science has no inclination to uphold dogmas or consider any to be beyond scrutiny.

For both the sheer enjoyment of reading and the educational merit of the contents, this magnum opus ranks as a five-star wellness success.

Be better than fine, give them hell and always try to see the bright side of life.