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Children Quote by Carl Sagan

“Cutting off fundamental, curiosity-driven science is like eating the seed corn. We may have a little more to eat next winter but what will we plant so we and our children will have enough to get through the winters to come?” quote by Carl Sagan
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“Cutting off fundamental, curiosity-driven science is like eating the seed corn. We may have a little more to eat next winter but what will we plant so we and our children will have enough to get through the winters to come?”

Carl Sagan

About This Quote

Source Speech: Cosmos, Carl Sagan, 1980

Neglecting basic curiosity-driven research harms future food security and resilience.

In simple terms: Skipping fundamental science risks future scarcity.

Key Takeaway

Invest in basic research now.

Themes

science food security future generations curiosity

Mood

concerned urgent

Type

warning inspirational

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • academic research
  • agricultural planning
  • education
  • public advocacy

Key Concepts

research funding agricultural sustainability long-term planning

Questions to Reflect On

  • What fundamental research could we be overlooking?
  • How can we balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability?
A Different Perspective

Short-term gains may ignore deeper systemic needs.

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