While I'm a big fan of science fiction, especially as rendered in expensive Hollywood blockbusters, it's the real universe that calls to me.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes a preference for the wonders of the actual universe over fictional representations in movies.
In this quote, Neil Degrasse Tyson expresses his admiration for science fiction films, particularly the high-quality productions created in Hollywood. However, he underscores that despite his enjoyment of these cinematic experiences, it is the authentic universe—filled with its true mysteries and scientific phenomena—that truly captivates his interest and inspires a sense of wonder.
In practice
During a science convention, someone could quote Tyson to spark a discussion on the importance of real scientific discoveries.
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.
As a scientist, I want to go to Mars and back to asteroids and the Moon because I'm a scientist. But I can tell you, I'm not so naive a scientist to think that the nation might not have geopolitical reasons for going into space.
In just one year, the expenditure of of the U.S.'s military budget is equivalent to the entire 50-year running budget of NASA combined.
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.
Lots of people think, well, we're humans; we're the most intelligent and accomplished species; we're in charge. Bacteria may have a different outlook: more bacteria live and work in one linear centimeter of your lower colon than all the humans who have ever lived. That's what's going on in your digestive tract right now. Are we in charge, or are we simply hosts for bacteria? It all depends on your outlook.
If there is anything that can bind the heavenly mind of man to this dreary exile of our earthly home and can reconcile us with our fate so that one can enjoy living,-then it is verily the enjoyment of the mathematical sciences and astronomy.
Understanding science and pushing the boundaries of science is what makes me immensely satisfied.
I hope that some day the practice of producing cowpox in human beings will spread over the world - when that day comes, there will be no more smallpox.
I think the appropriate response for a physicist is: 'I do not find the concept of God very interesting, because I cannot test it.'
Of course it is possible that UFO's really do contain aliens as many people believe, and the government is hushing it up
See first, think later, then test. But always see first. Otherwise you will only see what you were expecting. Most scientists forget that.
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