Science is a way to not fool ourselves.
Carl SaganRead
We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Society relies heavily on science and technology, yet most people lack basic understanding of it.
In this quote, Carl Sagan points out the paradox of modern society: while we are surrounded by incredible advancements in science and technology that shape our everyday lives, a significant portion of the population remains uninformed about the very foundations that support these tools and innovations. This awareness gap can lead to a disconnect between the benefits of knowledge and the general public's understanding of its implications.
Themes
SocietyScienceTechnologyKnowledgeEducationDependence
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of science education, this quote can highlight the need for greater public understanding.
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