We live on a minute island of known things. Our undiminished wonder at the mystery which surrounds us is what makes us human. In science fiction we can approach that mystery, not in small, everyday symbols, but in bigger ones of space and time.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the human condition and our tendency to marvel at the unknown beyond our limited understanding.
Damon Knight emphasizes that while we exist on a small island of knowledge, our curiosity and wonder about the vast mysteries that lie beyond are what define us as humans. He suggests that science fiction serves as a bridge to explore these mysteries not through mundane symbols but by engaging with grander concepts such as space and time, highlighting our innate desire to comprehend the universe.
In practice
In a speech about creativity, you might say, 'As Damon Knight reminds us, our undiminished wonder at mystery is fundamental to our humanity.'
One day, on tearing off some old bark, I saw two rare beetles, and seized one in each hand. Then I saw a third and new kind, which I could not bear to lose, so I popped the one which I held in my right hand into my mouth. Alas! it ejected some intensely acrid fluid, which burnt my tongue so that I was forced to spit the beetle out, which was lost, as was the third one.
It is impossible to devise an experiment without a preconceived idea; devising an experiment, we said, is putting a question; we never conceive a question without an idea which invites an answer. I consider it, therefore, an absolute principle that experiments must always be devised in view of a preconceived idea, no matter if the idea be not very clear nor very well defined.
Fractal geometry is not just a chapter of mathematics, but one that helps Everyman to see the same world differently.
We can allow satellites, planets, suns, universe, nay whole systems of universes, to be governed by laws, but the smallest insect, we wish to be created at once by special act.
It will free man from the remaining chains, the chains of gravity which still tie him to this planet.
If you get asteroids about a kilometer in size, those are large enough and carry enough energy into our system to disrupt transportation, communication, the food chains, and that can be a really bad day on Earth.
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