We are star dust in the highest exalted way, called by the universe, reaching out to the universe
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes our cosmic origin and interconnectedness with the universe. It highlights a profound sense of purpose and belonging in the cosmos.
Neil Degrasse Tyson's quote presents a poetic reflection on the nature of human existence, suggesting that we are not merely inhabitants of Earth but rather made of the very stars that compose the universe. This perspective invites us to recognize our intrinsic connection to the cosmos, inspiring us to appreciate both our significant and humble roles as beings formed from stardust, acknowledging the wonder and vastness of the universe.
In practice
In a speech about our place in the universe, one might refer to Tyson's quote to illustrate the beauty of our origins.
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.
We are like plants which have the one choice of being in or out of the light.
A church is a place in which gentlemen who have never been to Heaven brag about it to persons who will never get there.
Take away the cause, and the effect ceases.
People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.
There is no witness so terrible, no accuser so powerful as conscience which dwells within us.
My experiences at Princeton have made me far more aware of my 'blackness' than ever before. I have found that at Princeton, no matter how liberal and open-minded some of my white professors and classmates try to be toward me, I sometimes feel like a visitor on campus; as if I really don't belong.
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