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Death Quote by Carl Sagan

“But before the grandeur and intricacy of Nature, he was, like Ptolemy and Kepler, exhilarated as well as disarmingly modest. Just before his death he wrote: “I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy, playing on the seashore, and diverting…” quote by Carl Sagan
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““But before the grandeur and intricacy of Nature, he was, like Ptolemy and Kepler, exhilarated as well as disarmingly modest. Just before his death he wrote: “I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy, playing on the seashore, and diverting myself, in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, while the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.””

Carl Sagan

About This Quote

Source Quote: Interview, 1995

Recognize humility and wonder in the pursuit of knowledge, seeing oneself as a child playing on the shore while the vast ocean of truth remains unexplored.

In simple terms: Stay humble and curious.

Key Takeaway

Remain curious and humble.

Themes

humility wonder curiosity

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • research
  • education
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

philosophy science existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What unknown truths excite you?
  • How does childlike curiosity aid learning?
A Different Perspective

Humility may limit bold claims.

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