QuoteProject
A proclivity for science is embedded deeply within us, in all times, places, and cultures. It has been the means for our survival. It is our birthright. When, through indifference, inattention, incompetence, or fear of skepticism, we discourage children from science, we are disenfranchisin g them, taking from them the tools needed to manage their future.
Carl Sagan
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the innate human connection to science and the consequences of neglecting to nurture this curiosity in children.

Carl Sagan's quote reflects on the fundamental role that science plays in human survival and progress. He argues that fostering a love for science in children is crucial, as discouraging their inquiry can rob them of essential tools needed for understanding and shaping their future. This highlights the responsibility of society to encourage scientific exploration and education, as it allows the next generation to thrive.

Themes

ScienceEducationCuriosityChildrenFutureSurvival

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a school assembly to inspire students to pursue science.

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

What we are learning around the world is that if women are healthy and educated, their families will flourish. If women are free from violence, their families will flourish. If women have a chance to work and earn as full and equal partners in society, their families will flourish. And when families flourish, communities and nations do as well.
Hillary ClintonRead
Some teachers just have a knack for working with autistic children. Other teachers do not have it.
Temple GrandinRead
In order to learn, one must change one's mind.
Orson Scott CardRead
Education with inert ideas is not only useless; it is above all things harmful.
Alfred North WhiteheadRead
The schools must fashion the person, and fashion him in such a way that he simply cannot will otherwise than what you wish him to will.
Johann Gottlieb FichteRead
If you are in a country that is progressive, the woman is progressive. If you're in a country that reflects the consciousness toward the importance of education, it's because the woman is aware of the importance of education. But in every backward country you'll find the women are backward, and in every country where education is not stressed its because the women don't have education.
Malcolm XRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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

Quote by Carl Sagan | QuoteProject