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My view is that if there is no evidence for it, then forget about it. An agnostic is somebody who doesn’t believe in something until there is evidence for it, so I’m agnostic.
Carl Sagan
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the importance of evidence in forming beliefs, aligning with an agnostic viewpoint.

Carl Sagan's quote reflects the foundational principle of skepticism and critical thinking that underpins scientific inquiry. By identifying as agnostic, he asserts that beliefs should be based on evidence, and without sufficient proof, one should remain open-minded and refrain from accepting claims as true. This perspective promotes a rational approach to knowledge and understanding.

Themes

EvidenceAgnosticismBeliefSkepticismCritical Thinking

In practice

Example use cases

In a philosophy class discussion on belief systems and science.

More from Carl Sagan

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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.
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The simplest thought, like the concept of the number one, has an elaborate logical underpinning.
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