As long as scientists are free to pursue the truth wherever it may lead, there will be a flow of new scientific knowledge to those who can apply it to practical problems.
Vannevar BushRead
For me, it was my first cosmic connection, on par with a first kiss. No other planet looks as unworldly or surreal as Saturn. When you see it floating in the eyepiece of your telescope, you feel as if you've uncovered mystery in the cosmos.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the awe and wonder of discovering Saturn through a telescope, likening it to a profound personal experience.
In this quote, Carolyn Porco conveys a deep sense of connection and astonishment when observing Saturn for the first time through a telescope. She describes this experience as not only visually striking but also emotionally significant, comparable to the intimate feeling of a first kiss, highlighting the beauty and mystery of the cosmos that can evoke a strong emotional response.
In practice
During a science presentation, this quote can be used to inspire students about the wonders of space exploration.
As long as scientists are free to pursue the truth wherever it may lead, there will be a flow of new scientific knowledge to those who can apply it to practical problems.
In future, children won't perceive the stars as mere twinkling points of light: they'll learn that each is a 'Sun', orbited by planets fully as interesting as those in our Solar system.
Geometry is the only science that it hath pleased God hitherto to bestow on mankind.
You have to know evolution to understand the natural world. And that cannot be a threat to people of faith. There's a serious problem if you are forced by your faith to reject the most well-supported theory in all of science.
'Science in itself' is nothing, for it exists only in the human beings who are its bearers. 'Science for its own sake' usually means nothing more than science for the sake of the people who happen to be pursuing it.
Evolution could so easily be disproved if just a single fossil turned up in the wrong date order. Evolution has passed this test with flying colours.
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