Book Quote by Carl Sagan
“An extraterrestrial being, newly arrived on Earth - scrutinizing what we mainly present to our children in television, radio, movies, newspapers, magazines, the comics, and many books - might easily conclude that we are intent on teaching them murder, rape, cruelty, superstition, credulity, and consumerism. We keep at it, and through constant repetition many of them finally get it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Cosmos, Carl Sagan, 1980
The quote warns that pervasive media often glorifies violence and harmful values, shaping children's worldview through repeated exposure.
In simple terms: Media can teach harmful values to children.
Key Takeaway
Critically evaluate and limit harmful media exposure.
Themes
media influence
child development
violence
consumerism
education
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
cautionary
observational
When to use this quote
- parental guidance
- school curricula
- media literacy programs
- family media rules
Key Concepts
cultural conditioning
social learning
norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we promote positive media?
- What role should parents play in media choices?
A Different Perspective
Not all media is harmful; many educational and uplifting content exists.
![“[ 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)
