Science is a way to not fool ourselves.
Carl SaganRead
We have also arranged things so that almost no one understands science and technology. This is a prescription for disaster. We might get away with it for a while, but sooner or later this combustible mixture of ignorance and power is going to blow up in our faces.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ignorance of science and technology paired with power can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Carl Sagan warns of the dangers that arise when a society lacks understanding of science and technology while wielding them with considerable power. Ignorance can create a volatile situation, where the lack of knowledge leads to poor decision-making and potential disasters, emphasizing the need for widespread scientific literacy and responsible use of technology.
Themes
ScienceTechnologyIgnorancePowerDisaster
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of education in science, this quote could highlight the dangers of ignorance.
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The simplest thought, like the concept of the number one, has an elaborate logical underpinning.
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