Science is a way to not fool ourselves.
Carl SaganRead
We are star stuff which has taken its destiny into its own hands.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes our cosmic origins and our ability to shape our own future.
Carl Sagan's quote reflects on the profound notion that as beings made from the atoms forged in stars, we are intrinsically connected to the universe. It suggests that despite our humble beginnings, we possess the agency and capability to make choices that direct our lives, thereby influencing our destiny.
Themes
DestinyAgencyUniverseExistenceCosmic
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about taking control of your life.
More from Carl Sagan
All quotes βIn more than one respect, the exploring of the Solar System and homesteading other worlds constitutes the beginning, much more than the end, of history.
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How smart does a chimpanzee have to be before killing him constitutes murder?
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The hole in the ozone layer is a kind of skywriting. At first it seemed to spell out our continuing complacency before a witch's brew of deadly perils. But perhaps it really tells of a newfound talent to work together to protect the global environment.
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There is a reward structure in science that is very interesting: Our highest honors go to those who disprove the findings of the most revered among us. So Einstein is revered not just because he made so many fundamental contributions to science, but because he found an imperfection in the fundamental contribution of Isaac Newton.
Carl SaganRead
The simplest thought, like the concept of the number one, has an elaborate logical underpinning.
Carl SaganRead
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