Ten long trips around the sun since I last saw that smile, but only joy and thankfulness that on a tiny world in the vastness, for a couple of moments in the immensity of time, we were one.
Ann DruyanRead
Science reserves the highest reward for those of you who disprove our most cherished beliefs. At any moment someone from any walk of life could come forward and be responsible for a complete revision of our view of everything.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Science values those who challenge established beliefs, as they can lead to significant advancements in understanding.
This quote emphasizes the importance of skepticism and critical thinking in science. It suggests that true progress often comes from individuals who question accepted truths and challenge the status quo, potentially leading to a complete overhaul of our understanding of the universe. Ann Druyan highlights the unpredictable nature of discovery, implying that anyone, regardless of their background, can contribute to profound changes in knowledge and belief systems.
Themes
ScienceDisproveBeliefsProgressUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on scientific inquiry, this quote can be used to inspire students to embrace skepticism and innovation.
More from Ann Druyan
All quotes →I've been thinking about the distorted view of science that prevails in our culture. I've been wondering about this, because our civilization is completely dependent on science and high technology, yet most of us are alienated from science.
Ann DruyanRead
It is a great tragedy that science, this wonderful process for finding out what is true, has ceded the spiritual uplift of its central revelations: the vastness of the universe, the immensity of time, the relatedness of all life, and life's preciousness on our tiny planet.
Ann DruyanRead
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