Prejudice Quote by Carl Sagan
““It almost never feels like prejudice. Instead, it feels fitting and just - the idea that, because of an accident of birth, ‘our’ group (whichever one it is) should have a central position in the social universe.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Cosmic Perspective, 1995
It suggests that social hierarchies feel natural because of birth circumstances, but this perception masks inherent bias.
In simple terms: Birth order makes groups feel entitled.
Key Takeaway
Question assumed social dominance.
Themes
social hierarchy
bias
inequality
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
sociological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- policy making
- community leadership
- media framing
Key Concepts
social construct
psychology
justice
Questions to Reflect On
- What historical forces shape perceived social centrality?
- How can societies challenge birth‑based privilege?
A Different Perspective
Overlooks structural factors that create inequality.
![“[ 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)
