Science is a way to not fool ourselves.
Carl SaganRead
Life is but a momentary glimpse of the wonder of this astonishing universe, and it is sad to see so many dreaming it away on spiritual fantasy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life is a brief experience in an incredible universe, and many people waste it on illusions.
In this quote, Carl Sagan reflects on the transient nature of life, emphasizing that our existence is just a fleeting glimpse of the vast and astonishing universe that surrounds us. He expresses concern over how many individuals get lost in spiritual fantasies, rather than appreciating and engaging with the reality of the world and the universe they inhabit.
Themes
LifeUniverseRealityFantasyWonder
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote in a speech about the importance of living in the present.
More from Carl Sagan
All quotes βIn more than one respect, the exploring of the Solar System and homesteading other worlds constitutes the beginning, much more than the end, of history.
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The hole in the ozone layer is a kind of skywriting. At first it seemed to spell out our continuing complacency before a witch's brew of deadly perils. But perhaps it really tells of a newfound talent to work together to protect the global environment.
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There is a reward structure in science that is very interesting: Our highest honors go to those who disprove the findings of the most revered among us. So Einstein is revered not just because he made so many fundamental contributions to science, but because he found an imperfection in the fundamental contribution of Isaac Newton.
Carl SaganRead
The simplest thought, like the concept of the number one, has an elaborate logical underpinning.
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