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.
For without risk there is no faith, and the greater the risk, the greater the faith.
Soft pity enters an iron gate.
As Kierkegaard was the first to suggest, we can never know where our prayers are likely to go nor from whom the answers will come. When we think we are nearest to God, we could be assisting the Devil.
Or have I passed my time in pouring words like water into empty sieves, rolling a stone up a hill and then down again, trying to prove an argument in the teeth of facts, and looking for causes in the dark, and not finding them?
You can know all there is to know about life and mankind, but what do you really know about yourself?
I own that I am not a friend to a very energetic government. It is always oppressive.
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