Science is an attempt, largely successful, to understand the... - Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark

"Science is an attempt, largely successful, to understand the world, to get a grip on things, to get hold of ourselves, to steer a safe course. Microbiology and meteorology now explain what only a few centuries ago was considered sufficient cause to burn women to death."

Share this quote

More quotes by Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark

"Claims that cannot be tested, assertions immune to disproof are veridically worthless, whatever value the may have in inspiring us or in exciting our sense of wonder."
— Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark Read More
"The chief deficiency I see in the skeptical movement is its polarization: Us vs. Them — the sense that we have a monopoly on the truth; that those other people who believe in all these stupid doctrines are morons; that if you're sensible, you'll listen to us; and if not, to hell with you. This is nonconstructive. It does not get our message across. It condemns us to permanent minority status."
— Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark Read More
"Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality."
— Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark Read More
"But, Jefferson worried that the people - and the argument goes back to Thucydides and Aristotle - are easily misled. He also stressed, passionately and repeatedly, that it was essential for the people to understand the risks and benefits of government, to educate themselves, and to involve themselves in the political process. Without that, he said, the wolves will take over."
— Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark Read More
"Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality."
— Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark Read More