We live on a minute island of known things. Our undiminished wonder at the mystery which surrounds us is what makes us human. In science fiction we can approach that mystery, not in small, everyday symbols, but in bigger ones of space and time.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the human condition and our tendency to marvel at the unknown beyond our limited understanding.
Damon Knight emphasizes that while we exist on a small island of knowledge, our curiosity and wonder about the vast mysteries that lie beyond are what define us as humans. He suggests that science fiction serves as a bridge to explore these mysteries not through mundane symbols but by engaging with grander concepts such as space and time, highlighting our innate desire to comprehend the universe.
In practice
In a speech about creativity, you might say, 'As Damon Knight reminds us, our undiminished wonder at mystery is fundamental to our humanity.'
Those who know that the consensus of many centuries has sanctioned the conception that the earth remains at rest in the middle of the heavens as its center, would, I reflected, regard it as an insane pronouncement if I made the opposite assertion that the earth moves.
Unfortunately what is little recognized is that the most worthwhile scientific books are those in which the author clearly indicates what he does not know; for an author most hurts his readers by concealing difficulties.
We know so much about planets and the universe and small particles and we do not know anything about the inner state of our own bodies, we do not know about this microcosm we have inside our skin.
If you go down through the horizon of a black hole, at the center you don't find a tunnel that leads you to some other place in the universe.
Astronomy would not provide me with bread if men did not entertain hopes of reading the future in the heavens.
Although the elusive 'cure' may be a distant dream, understanding the true nature of cancer will enable it to be better controlled and less menacing.
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