I am proud to be part of a species where a subset of its members willingly put their lives at risk to push the boundaries of our existence.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the bravery of individuals who take risks for the advancement of humanity.
Neil Degrasse Tyson expresses pride in being part of the human species, emphasizing the remarkable courage of those who venture into dangerous realms, such as exploration and scientific discovery, for the betterment of all. This assertion reflects a deep appreciation for humanity's relentless quest to expand knowledge and push beyond known limits, illustrating the intrinsic value of sacrifice for the greater good.
In practice
This quote could be used in a motivational speech to inspire students pursuing careers in science and exploration.
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.
From the perfection of Allah's ihsan is that He allows His slave to taste the bitterness of the break before the sweetness of the mend. So He does not break his believing slave, except to mend him. And He does not withhold from him, except to give him. And He does not test him (with hardship), except to cure him.
Beware of endeavoring to become a great man in a hurry. One such attempt in ten thousand may succeed. These are fearful odds.
There are many ways up the mountain and each of us must choose a practice that feels true to our heart.
One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.
For everything that you find dreadful, there's usually something that is rather marvelous as well.
Not all of us are called to be hermits, but all of us need enough silence and solitude in our lives to enable the deeper voice of our own self to be heard at least occasionally.
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