Humans aren't as good as we should be in our capacity to empathize with feelings and thoughts of others, be they humans or other animals on Earth.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes humanity's shortcomings in empathizing with others, including both people and animals.
Neil Degrasse Tyson's quote highlights a critical aspect of human nature, pointing out that our ability to empathize with the feelings and thoughts of others is often lacking. This lack of empathy extends not only to fellow humans but also to other animals on our planet, suggesting that we have yet to fully realize our potential for compassion and understanding, which is essential for fostering better relationships and a more harmonious existence.
In practice
In a discussion about animal rights, this quote could illustrate the need for greater empathy toward all living beings.
The problem is that many people operate on the assumption that NASA should go to Congress every year with hat in hand and justify it every year. Well, I see it as the greatest economic driver that there ever was. Economic drivers don't need justification.
The press still thinks [global warming] is controversial. So they find the 1% of the scientists and put them up as if they're 50% of the research results. You in the public would have no idea that this is basically a done deal and that we're on to other problems, because the journalists are trying to give it a 50/50 story. It's not a 50/50 story. It's not. Period.
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One of my great laments is that education today seems to have... be less about passion and more about process, more about tactic or technique.
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To be able to fill leisure intelligently is the last product of civilization, and at present very few people have reached this level.
Feminism starts out being very simple, and it ends up being a world view that questions hierarchy altogether.
Mysteries force a man to think, and so injure his health.
Veganism is the application of the principle of abolition in your own life; it represents your recognition that animals are not things. Veganism is the recognition of the moral personhood of nonhuman animals.
The moment good taste knows itself, some of its goodness is lost.
Standing armies shall in time be totally abolished.
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