I am proud to be part of a species where a subset of its members willingly put their lives at risk to push the boundaries of our existence.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the bravery of individuals who take risks for the advancement of humanity.
Neil Degrasse Tyson expresses pride in being part of the human species, emphasizing the remarkable courage of those who venture into dangerous realms, such as exploration and scientific discovery, for the betterment of all. This assertion reflects a deep appreciation for humanity's relentless quest to expand knowledge and push beyond known limits, illustrating the intrinsic value of sacrifice for the greater good.
In practice
This quote could be used in a motivational speech to inspire students pursuing careers in science and exploration.
The problem is that many people operate on the assumption that NASA should go to Congress every year with hat in hand and justify it every year. Well, I see it as the greatest economic driver that there ever was. Economic drivers don't need justification.
The press still thinks [global warming] is controversial. So they find the 1% of the scientists and put them up as if they're 50% of the research results. You in the public would have no idea that this is basically a done deal and that we're on to other problems, because the journalists are trying to give it a 50/50 story. It's not a 50/50 story. It's not. Period.
As a scientist, I want to go to Mars and back to asteroids and the Moon because I'm a scientist. But I can tell you, I'm not so naive a scientist to think that the nation might not have geopolitical reasons for going into space.
In just one year, the expenditure of of the U.S.'s military budget is equivalent to the entire 50-year running budget of NASA combined.
One of my great laments is that education today seems to have... be less about passion and more about process, more about tactic or technique.
Lots of people think, well, we're humans; we're the most intelligent and accomplished species; we're in charge. Bacteria may have a different outlook: more bacteria live and work in one linear centimeter of your lower colon than all the humans who have ever lived. That's what's going on in your digestive tract right now. Are we in charge, or are we simply hosts for bacteria? It all depends on your outlook.
It is a great piece of skill to know how to guide your luck even while waiting for it.
You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup.
Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence: nor is the law less stable than the fact.
Temperance and labor are the two real physicians of man.
Do not dwell upon the sins and mistakes of yesterday so exclusively as to have no energy and mind left for living rightly today, and do not think that the sins of yesterday can prevent you from living purely today.
You are not creating a new you; you are releasing a hidden you. The process is one of self discovery. The hidden you that wants to emerge is in perfect balance.
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