Science is a way to not fool ourselves.
Carl SaganRead
.. Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that in glory and in triumph they could become the 'Momentary' masters of a 'Fraction' of a 'Dot'
Interpretation
This quote critiques the futility of power and glory achieved through violence and war.
Carl Sagan highlights the tragic irony of humanity's pursuit of power, illustrating how countless lives have been lost in conflicts led by powerful figures, only for them to ultimately gain control over a minuscule part of the universe. It serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of such victories and the insignificance of human struggles in the vast expanse of time and space.
In practice
During a speech on the consequences of war, one might use this quote to emphasize the tragic cost of seeking power.
Science is a way to not fool ourselves.
In more than one respect, the exploring of the Solar System and homesteading other worlds constitutes the beginning, much more than the end, of history.
How smart does a chimpanzee have to be before killing him constitutes murder?
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.
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.
The simplest thought, like the concept of the number one, has an elaborate logical underpinning.
Alone had always felt like an actual place to me, as if it weren't a state of being, but rather a room where I could retreat to be who I really was.
Through my school years, I learned more about slavery, anti-black racism, and oppression in the U.S., and my blackness could no longer be an afterthought. I started wearing it proudly, and as my consciousness deepened, so did my love for black folks.
In politics I am growing indifferent - I would like it, if I could now return to my planting and books at home
The only ultimate disaster that can befall us is to feel ourselves at home on this earth.
Hal, if I tell thee a lie, spit in my face, call me horse.
I can't even enjoy a blade of grass unless I know there's a subway handy, or a record store or some other sign that people do not totally regret life. It's more important to confirm the least sincere. The clouds get enough attention as it is.
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