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Curiosity Quote by Carl Sagan

“Both scepticism and wonder are skills that need honing and practice. Their harmonious marriage within the mind of every schoolchild ought to be a principal goal of public education. I’d love to see such a domestic felicity portrayed in the media, television especially: a community of people really…” quote by Carl Sagan
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““Both scepticism and wonder are skills that need honing and practice. Their harmonious marriage within the mind of every schoolchild ought to be a principal goal of public education. I’d love to see such a domestic felicity portrayed in the media, television especially: a community of people really working the mix - full of wonder, generously open to every notion, dismissing nothing except for good reason, but at the same time, and as second nature, demanding stringent standards of evidence; and these standards applied with at least as much rigour to what they hold dear as to what they are tempted to reject with impunity.””

Carl Sagan

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Role of Wonder in Education, 1995

Science education should blend skepticism with wonder, demanding evidence while staying open.

In simple terms: Combine doubt with awe in learning.

Key Takeaway

Foster balanced curiosity.

Themes

education science critical thinking

Mood

inquisitive inspirational

Type

educational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • classroom teaching
  • science museums
  • public lectures

Key Concepts

philosophy pedagogy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance doubt and awe?
  • What practices nurture both in students?
A Different Perspective

Too much skepticism can stifle imagination.

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