Science is a way to not fool ourselves.
Carl SaganRead
Modern Darwinism makes it abundantly clear that many less ruthless traits, some not always admired by robber barons and Fuhrers - altruism, general intelligence, compassion - may be the key to survival.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Altruism and compassion are crucial for societal survival, contrary to ruthless traits often glorified by power-hungry leaders.
In this quote, Carl Sagan emphasizes that while aggressive and ruthless traits may be celebrated by those in power, it is actually the more compassionate qualities such as altruism and general intelligence that ensure the survival and success of society as a whole. This perspective challenges the traditional survival of the fittest narrative by highlighting the importance of cooperation and empathy in human evolution and societal progress.
Themes
AltruismCompassionSurvivalIntelligenceSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community service, one might say this quote to emphasize the value of helping others.
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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