All information is good, even when it is bad.
Interpretation
All information has value, regardless of its quality or impact.
This quote by Neil Degrasse Tyson emphasizes the importance of information in understanding the world around us. It suggests that even negative or 'bad' information can lead to learning and growth, as it allows us to solve problems, recognize mistakes, and adapt our perspectives. In a broader sense, it highlights that information, no matter its nature, is a key component of knowledge and progress.
In practice
During a seminar about critical thinking, one might quote Tyson to encourage openness to all types of information.
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.
I do think that travel can be part of a journey of inner maturation, but you've got to do it right.
My words itch at your ears till you understand them
I learned to focus my energy on high-quality, long-term projects rather than lower-quality projects with quicker payoffs.
Little strokes fell great oaks.
Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything.
Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity.
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