Science is a way to not fool ourselves.
Carl SaganRead
The vast distances that separate the stars are providential. Beings and worlds are quarantined from one another. The quarantine is lifted only for those with sufficient self-knowledge and judgment to have safely traveled from star to star.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that understanding oneself is necessary to connect with others and explore the universe.
Carl Sagan reflects on the idea that the immense distances between stars serve a purpose, creating a form of quarantine that prevents careless interactions. This distance is only bridged by those who possess deep self-knowledge and sound judgment, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and understanding in establishing connections with others and navigating the complexities of life.
Themes
Self-KnowledgeJudgmentConnectionUniversalityDistance
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech, one might use this quote to encourage students to explore their identities before seeking connections.
More from Carl Sagan
All quotes →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.
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How smart does a chimpanzee have to be before killing him constitutes murder?
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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.
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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
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