Carl Sagan’s top 30 sentences (universe, life and science)
A unique and unrepeatable character that brought the universe closer to our televisions. Carl Sagan (1934 – 1996) was an American astrophysicist, astronomer and scientific popularizer who, for decades, dedicated himself to explaining in a simple way all the mysteries that surround the cosmos.
He was also a pioneer in the search for extraterrestrial life and his contributions were applauded by both the scientific community and television viewers.
Phrases of Carl Sagan, the quintessential science popularizer
His contributions to science were widely applauded, so much so that in 1978 he won a Pullitzer Prize for his extraordinary work in disseminating information.
In this article we have set out to collect the best phrases, famous quotes and thoughts of Carl Sagan .
1. Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be discovered.
A famous quote from Carl Sagan that shows us his spirit of exploration.
2. Each one of us is precious, in a cosmic perspective. If anyone disagrees with your opinions, let them live. In a trillion galaxies, you wouldn’t find another one like it.
We must realize what a miracle it is to be able to experience life.
3. The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in apple pies… all were created in the interior of stars that collided with each other. We’re made of star material.
A revelation that, in the mouth of Carl Sagan, sounds even more exciting.
4. Science is not only compatible with spirituality, but is a profound source of spirituality.
A famous quote from Carl Sagan that sounds like a paradox.
5. In my opinion, it is much better to understand the universe as it is than to persist in deception, even if it is comfortable.
To know the truth even if it is uncomfortable, or to live in a lie? Carl Sagan is clear about his answer.
6. An extraordinary claim requires extraordinary evidence.
In the face of great scientific challenges, great means to be able to investigate in depth.
7. Imagination takes us to worlds we were never in.
A great student of creativity and the thinking mind, Sagan placed great emphasis on our ability to imagine new worlds.
8. We’re like butterflies that fly around for a day thinking they’re going to do it forever.
We must bear in mind that our time is limited. Carl Sagan’s brilliant poetic phrase.
9. Reading allows us to travel through time, to touch with our fingertips the wisdom of our ancestors.
A reflection that we could include in our collection of phrases taken from books.
10. We can judge progress by the courage of the questions and the depth of the answers; by the daring to find the truth rather than rejoice in what makes us feel good.
A way of telling the world that science leads to knowledge.
11. The universe is a pretty big place. If it’s just us, it would seem like a real waste of space.
An ironic reflection that leaves the door open for life to exist beyond the Earth.
12. The military race with nuclear weapons is like two enemies facing each other with gasoline cans and fire.
The critical view of the scientific disseminator towards the military movements of the United States.
13. I don’t want to believe, I want to know.
Sagan’s scientific skepticism is embodied in this sentence.
14. The beauty of life does not refer to the atoms that make it up, but to the way these atoms come together.
Beauty is in the little things: as small as atoms.
15. It is interesting to know that some dolphins have managed to learn English (up to 50 words used in the right context), yet no human being has managed to learn ‘dolphin’.
Sharp as ever, in this sentence he questions the “superior” intelligence that we human beings attribute to ourselves.
16. The universe seems neither hostile nor friendly, it is simply indifferent.
Sagan thus reflects on the appearance of the cosmos.
17. The absence of evidence does not mean the proof of absence.
A paradox that brings us closer to his skepticism.
18. Science is a way of thinking, and not so much an aggregate of knowledge.
One of those philosophical phrases that invite us to take a reflective position before reality.
19. Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.
That’s right, and that’s how Charles Darwin explained it to us.
20. If something can be destroyed by the truth, it deserves to be destroyed.
Never accept a half-truth as dogma.
21. In all our investigations, the only thing we have discovered is that only the company of others makes the void bearable.
Only love comforts us in a universe full of danger and randomness.
22. You must know the past to understand the present.
This phrase is a cliché in historiography.
23. Books break the shackles of time, prove that humans can do magic.
One way to cross generational and cultural barriers: literature.
24. Nature is always more subtle, more complex and more elegant than what we are capable of imagining.
And he always finds the perfect way to keep evolving.
25. Understanding is a form of ecstasy.
When we are able to understand a concept or a process, we feel exceptionally good.
26. Books are like seeds. They can remain dormant for centuries, and suddenly flourish in the most barren soil.
An excellent metaphor.
27. Atoms are basically empty space. Matter is composed mainly of nothingness.
Astrophysics always has this principle in mind.
28. Across the cosmos, the stars look like other suns.
The size of the stars is a simple matter of perspective.
29. An organism that is at war with itself is condemned.
Another sentence that reflects the thesis of the Evolution of the species.
30. We live in a society that is extremely dependent on science and technology, where hardly anyone has the slightest notion of science and technology.
Another fantastic and famous quote by Carl Sagan that shows us the paradox of modern life, in the purest Huxley style.