Distrust is a veritable page-turner, and I finished it in a few sittings. On a higher level, it is a call for common sense, for scepticism, for methodological rigour and for epistemic modesty. I suspect most scientists will love it. — Nature

The lessons of Distrust are very much needed. — Washington Post

Gary Smith has done it again. Distrust is a wild ride that derails the big data hype train with force, style, and above all sardonic humor. Smith is a master of illustrating by example—examples that are fresh, unexpected, at times shocking, and at times hilarious. Come along on Smith’s tour of statistical snake-oil and you’ll never look at AI or data science the same way again. — Carl T. Bergstrom, Professor of Biology, University of Washington, Author of Calling Bullshit: The art of skepticism in a digital world

Any fan of Carl Sagan’s The Demon Haunted World will love this book. Like Sagan, Smith discusses the challenges to human progress that result from a lack of critical thinking skills, and he does so with a Sagan-esque keen eye and eloquent voice. Smith also makes clear how the threats to sound judgment and effective decisions are more formidable than those of Sagan’s day, as faulty thinking is now aided and abetted by an internet-fueled distrust of science, viral misinformation, and venomous conspiracy theories. The wisdom in this book is desperately needed. —Tom Gilovich, Irene Blecker Rosenfeld Professor of Psychology, Cornell University, Author of The Wisest One in the Room

Smith’s delivery is so delicately and effortlessly encrusted with endless dry wit that you might actually find yourself laughing out loud as you read it—surely to be followed by a deep frown as you contemplate the powerful implications of what he is saying. — Jeanette S. Ferrara, Rigaku