Skepticism Quotes by Carl Sagan

“Skepticism does not sell well.”

— Carl Sagan

Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.

— Carl Sagan

In science it often happens that scientists say, "You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken..."

— Carl Sagan

It is the tension between creativity and skepticism that has produced the stunning and unexpected findings of science.

— Carl Sagan

If you are only skeptical, then no new ideas make it through to you.

— Carl Sagan

Skeptical scrutiny is the means, in both science and religion, by which deep thoughts can be winnowed from deep nonsense.

— Carl Sagan

The truth may be puzzling. It may take some work to grapple with. It may be counterintuitive. It may contradict deeply held…

— Carl Sagan

“The theologian Meric Casaubon argued—in his 1668 book, Of Credulity and Incredulity—that witches must exist because, after all, everyone believes in them.…

— Carl Sagan

My parents were not scientists. They knew almost nothing about science. But in introducing me simultaneously to skepticism and to wonder, they…

— Carl Sagan

We wish to find the truth, no matter where it lies. But to find the truth we need imagination and skepticism both.…

— Carl Sagan

People are not stupid. They believe things for reasons. The last way for skeptics to get the attention of bright, curious, intelligent…

— Carl Sagan

“When I wake up I go through an abbreviated process of mourning all over again. Plainly, there’s something within me that’s ready…

— Carl Sagan

You can get into a habit of thought in which you enjoy making fun of all those other people who don't see…

— Carl Sagan

“It may be that there are kernels of truth in a few of these doctrines, but their widespread acceptance betokens a lack…

— Carl Sagan

Nevertheless, (Jefferson) believed that the habit of skepticism is an essential prerequisite for responsible citizenship. He argued that the cost of education…

— Carl Sagan

Who is more humble? The scientist who looks at the universe with an open mind and accepts whatever the universe has to…

— Carl Sagan

“We must surrender our skepticism only in the face of rock-solid evidence. Science demands a tolerance for ambiguity. Where we are ignorant,…

— Carl Sagan

Those afraid of the universe as it really is, those who pretend to nonexistent knowledge and envision a Cosmos centered on human…

— Carl Sagan

...the idea of a spiritual part of our nature that survives death, the notion of an afterlife, ought to be easy for…

— Carl Sagan

“The major religions on the Earth contradict each other left and right. You can't all be correct. And what if all of…

— Carl Sagan

If you are only skeptical, then no new ideas make it through to you. You become a crotchety old person convinced that…

— Carl Sagan

“deluded or not, supporters of superstition and pseudoscience are human beings with real feelings, who, like the skeptics, are trying to figure…

— Carl Sagan

I believe that part of what propels science is the thirst for wonder. It's a very powerful emotion. All children feel it.…

— Carl Sagan

An atheist is someone who is certain that God does not exist, someone who has compelling evidence against the existence of God.…

— Carl Sagan

“It seems to me what is called for is an exquisite balance between two conflicting needs: the most skeptical scrutiny of all…

— Carl Sagan

If we can't think for ourselves, if we're unwilling to question authority, then we're just putty in the hands of those in…

— Carl Sagan

“Some information is classified legitimately; as with military hardware, secrecy sometimes really is in the national interest. Further, military, political, and intelligence…

— Carl Sagan

“Occasionally, I get a letter from someone who is in “contact” with extraterrestrials. I am invited to “ask them anything.” And so…

— Carl Sagan

“It is certainly true that all beliefs and all myths are worthy of a respectful hearing. It is not true that all…

— Carl Sagan

What counts is not what sounds plausible, not what we would like to believe, not what one or two witnesses claim, but…

— Carl Sagan

In a lot of scientists, the ratio of wonder to skepticism declines in time. That may be connected with the fact that…

— Carl Sagan

“Why does Alexander the Great never tell us about the exact location of his tomb, Fermat about his Last Theorem, John Wilkes…

— Carl Sagan

Every aspect of Nature reveals a deep mystery and touches our sense of wonder and awe. Those afraid of the universe as…

— Carl Sagan

Too much openness and you accept every notion, idea, and hypothesis-which is tantamount to knowing nothing. Too much skepticism-especially rejection of new…

— Carl Sagan

A proclivity for science is embedded deeply within us, in all times, places, and cultures. It has been the means for our…

— Carl Sagan

When you realize that no one really knows what they are doing and that everyone is doing the best they can according…

— Carl Sagan

“Why do we put up with it? Do we like to be criticized? No, no scientist enjoys it. Every scientist feels a…

— Carl Sagan

“Another of Mack’s patients says that the aliens have been taking eggs from her since she was sexually mature, and that her…

— Carl Sagan