People credit me for making the universe interesting when in fact the universe is inherently interesting, and I'm merely revealing that fact. I don't think I'm anything special for this to happen.
Interpretation
Neil Degrasse Tyson emphasizes that the universe is inherently fascinating, and his role is simply to unveil that wonder to others.
In this quote, Neil Degrasse Tyson conveys the idea that the universe holds intrinsic interest and complexity that exists independently of human discovery. He humbly acknowledges that his contributions as an astrophysicist are merely about highlighting this pre-existing wonder, rather than suggesting he possesses any unique ability or special quality. This perspective invites listeners to appreciate the natural world and its mysteries that are waiting to be explored.
In practice
In a speech discussing the importance of scientific literacy, one might quote Tyson to highlight how the wonders of the universe are accessible to everyone.
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.
Some experts say we are moving back to the pre-antibiotic era. No. This will be a post-antibiotic era. In terms of new replacement antibiotics, the pipeline is virtually dry. A post-antibiotic era means, in effect, an end to modern medicine as we know it. Things as common as strep throat or a child's scratched knee could once again kill.
The difference between screwing around and science is writing it down.
Anyone who thinks science is trying to make human life easier or more pleasant is utterly mistaken.
If you don't get a good night's sleep, the events of the day are not properly encoded in memory.
If you study science deep enough and long enough, it will force you to believe in God.
Science is nothing but developed perception, interpreted intent, common sense rounded out and minutely articulated.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.