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It is all a matter of time scale. An event that would be…

“It is all a matter of time scale. An event that would be unthinkable in a hundred years may be inevitable in a hundred million.” quote by Carl Sagan
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“It is all a matter of time scale. An event that would be unthinkable in a hundred years may be inevitable in a hundred million.”

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 significance of an event changes with the length of the time frame considered; what seems impossible now may become inevitable over vast periods.

In simple terms: Time scale changes perception of possibility.

Key Takeaway

Consider long‑term impacts.

Themes

time scale perspective future inevitability

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy planning
  • environmental forecasting
  • technological development
  • civilizational risk assessment

Key Concepts

cosmology entropy anthropic principle

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does extending the time horizon alter your decisions?
  • What risks are hidden by short‑term thinking?
A Different Perspective

Short‑term urgency may be ignored when focusing on long horizons.

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