Extinct Quote by Carl Sagan
““almost every species that has ever existed is extinct; extinction is the rule, survival is the exception.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Cosmos, 1980
Extinction is the natural state for species; survival is rare and noteworthy.
In simple terms: Most species die out, few survive.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the rarity of survival and cherish life.
Themes
evolution
extinction
rarity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
scientific
philosophical
When to use this quote
- conservation
- education
- policy making
- public awareness
- scientific research
Key Concepts
biology
probability
natural selection
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we reduce our impact on species extinction?
- What does rarity teach us about value?
A Different Perspective
Survival may depend on human actions that can alter natural trends.
![“[ When a religious couple wrote to Sagan about fulfilled prophecies, he wrote back in May 1996 :] If ‘fulfilled prophecy’ is your criterion, why do you not believe in materialistic science, which has an unparalleled record of fulfilled prophecy? Consider, for example, eclipses.” quote by Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/875/carl-sagan-160_belief_when-a-religious-couple-wrote-to-sagan-a_25095.jpg)
![“In ten years [i.e., 1980] all important animal life in the sea will be extinct. Large areas of coastline will have to be evacuated because of the stench of dead fish.” quote by Paul R. Ehrlich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/552/paul-r-ehrlich-13046_animal_in-ten-years-i-e-1980-all-important-anim_180543.jpg)
