Science is a way to not fool ourselves.
Carl SaganRead
We are star stuff which has taken its destiny into its own hands.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes our cosmic origins and our ability to shape our own future.
Carl Sagan's quote reflects on the profound notion that as beings made from the atoms forged in stars, we are intrinsically connected to the universe. It suggests that despite our humble beginnings, we possess the agency and capability to make choices that direct our lives, thereby influencing our destiny.
Themes
DestinyAgencyUniverseExistenceCosmic
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about taking control of your life.
More from Carl Sagan
All quotes βIn 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
Man is not an omipotent master of the universe, allowed to do with impunity whatever he thinks, or whatever suits him at the moment. The world we live in is made of an immensely complex and mysterious tissue about which we know very little and which we must treat with utmost humility.
Vaclav HavelRead
Western laziness consists of cramming our lives with compulsive activity, so that there is no time at all to confront the real issues.
Sogyal RinpocheRead
So little time we live in Time,_x000D_ _x000D_ And we learn all so painfully,_x000D_ _x000D_ That we may spare this hour's term_x000D_ _x000D_ To practice for Eternity.
Robert Penn WarrenRead
Gentlemen, welcome to the world of reality β there is no audience. No one to applaud, to admire. No one to see you. Do you understand? Here is the truth β actual heroism receives no ovation, entertains no one. No one queues up to see it. No one is interested.
David FosterRead
I find rebellion packaged by a major corporation a little hard to take seriously.
David ByrneRead
Choosing one path means abandoning others - if you try to follow every possible path you will end up following none.
Paulo CoelhoRead