Skip to content

After I give lectures-on almost any subject-I am often…

“After I give lectures-on almost any subject-I am often asked, "Do you believe in UFOs?" I'm always struck by how the question is phrased, the suggestion that this is a matter of belief and not evidence. I'm almost never asked, "How good is the evidence that UFOs are alien spaceships?"” quote by Carl Sagan
Download Open image
“After I give lectures-on almost any subject-I am often asked, "Do you believe in UFOs?" I'm always struck by how the question is phrased, the suggestion that this is a matter of belief and not evidence. I'm almost never asked, "How good is the evidence that UFOs are alien spaceships?"”

Carl Sagan

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The question frames UFOs as belief rather than evidence, shifting focus from data to faith.

In simple terms: People ask about belief in UFOs, not evidence.

Key Takeaway

Demand evidence before forming belief.

Themes

science skepticism belief

Mood

inquisitive analytical

Type

philosophical skeptical

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • media interviews
  • policy making

Key Concepts

epistemology critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we reframe the question to focus on evidence?
  • What evidence would change your view?
A Different Perspective

Some may argue belief is a valid starting point.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Carl Sagan

Explore all 1,043 Carl Sagan quotes

More Aliens quotes

Browse all 1,329 Aliens quotes