QuoteProject
It means nothing to be open to a proposition we don't understand.
Carl Sagan
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Understanding is crucial for meaningful dialogue and decision-making.

This quote by Carl Sagan emphasizes the importance of comprehension in discussions or propositions. Being open to ideas is meaningless if one lacks the understanding required to evaluate or appreciate them, highlighting the necessity of knowledge and critical thinking in any engagement with new concepts.

Themes

UnderstandingKnowledgeDiscussionPropositionOpen-Mindedness

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate, you can use this quote to emphasize the need for understanding before forming opinions.

More from Carl Sagan

Science is a way to not fool ourselves.
Carl SaganRead
In more than one respect, the exploring of the Solar System and homesteading other worlds constitutes the beginning, much more than the end, of history.
Carl SaganRead
How smart does a chimpanzee have to be before killing him constitutes murder?
Carl SaganRead
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.
Carl SaganRead
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.
Carl SaganRead

Similar quotes

Thinking gets you nowhere. It may be a fine and noble aid in academic studies, but you can't think your way out of emotional difficulties. That takes something altogether different. You have to make yourself passive then, and just listen. Re-establish contact with a slice of eternity.
Etty HillesumRead
For better or worse, intelligence can come to nothing when emotions hold sway.
Daniel GolemanRead
Presumption must be quenched even more than a fire.
HeraclitusRead
Would you rather live your life according to the approval of others or aligned with your truth and your dreams?
Robin SharmaRead
IMPROVIDENCE, n. Provision for the needs of to-day from the revenues of to-morrow.
Ambrose BierceRead
Needing to talk badly about others indicates low self esteem. That means, 'I feel so low that instead of picking myself up, I have to cut others down.' Letting go of negative things quickly is healthy.
Pope FrancisRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.