Demon Quote by Carl Sagan
“Demon mean knowledge in Greek, especially about the material world. Science means knowledge in Latin. A jurisdictional dispute is exposed, even if we look no further”
About This Quote
The quote contrasts Greek and Latin roots of “demon” and “science,” implying a linguistic clash over knowledge of the material world.
In simple terms: Greek and Latin terms for knowledge highlight a cultural dispute.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how language shapes our view of knowledge.
Themes
language
knowledge
culture
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- cross‑cultural studies
- education
- public discourse
Key Concepts
etymology
semantic conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- How do language origins affect our perception of science?
- What other terms reveal cultural disputes?
A Different Perspective
The claim may oversimplify complex historical linguistics.
![“Science only means knowledge; and for [Greek] ancients it did only mean knowledge. Thus the favorite science of the Greeks was Astronomy, because it was as abstract as Algebra. ... We may say that the great Greek ideal was to have no use for useful things. The Slave was he who learned useful…” quote by Gilbert K. Chesterton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/afb/gilbert-k-chesterton-223_abstract_science-only-means-knowledge-and-for-gre_734948.jpg)
![“[ 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)
