Science is a way to not fool ourselves.
Carl SaganRead
A general problem with much of Western theology in my view is that the god portrayed is too small. It is a god of a tiny world and not a god of a galaxy much less of a universe.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Sagan critiques Western theology for limiting the concept of God to a narrow scope, suggesting a need for a more expansive view of divinity.
In this quote, Carl Sagan expresses his belief that much of Western theology constrains the idea of God to a small, insignificant context, failing to grasp the vastness of the universe. He argues that a true understanding of God should encompass the enormity and complexity of the cosmos, rather than being confined to a limited interpretation that reflects a 'tiny world.' This perspective invites deeper reflection on the nature of divinity and encourages embracing a broader, more inclusive vision of existence.
Themes
TheologyUniversePhilosophyGodVastnessPerspective
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about spirituality and science, one might reference this quote to emphasize the need for a broader understanding of God.
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.
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
If this being is omnipotent, then every occurrence, including every human action, every human thought, and every human feeling and aspiration is also His work; how is it possible to think of holding men responsible for their deeds and thoughts before such an almighty Being? In giving out punishment and rewards He would to a certain extent be passing judgment on Himself. How can this be combined with the goodness and righteousness ascribed to Him?
Albert EinsteinRead
Arithmetic arithmetock Turn the hands back on the clock How does the ocean rock the boat? How did the razor find my throat? The only strings that hold me here Are tangled up around the pier.
Tom WaitsRead
Men become civilized, not in proportion to their willingness to believe, but in their readiness to doubt.
H. L. MenckenRead
The flesh is the surface of the unknown.
Victor HugoRead
The foundation of the Buddha's teachings lies in compassion, and the reason for practicing the teachings is to wipe out the persistence of ego, the number-one enemy of compassion.
Dalai LamaRead
Hateful day when I received life!' I exclaimed in agony. 'Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust? God, in pity, made man beautiful and alluring, after his own image; but my form is a filthy type of yours, more horrid even from the very resemlance. Satan had his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and abhorred.' - Frankenstein
Mary Wollstonecraft ShelleyRead