Causes Quote by Carl Sagan
“Science is an attempt, largely successful, to understand the world, to get a grip on things, to get hold of ourselves, to steer a safe course. Microbiology and meteorology now explain what only a few centuries ago was considered sufficient cause to burn women to death.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Cosmos, 1980
Human knowledge grows by questioning and testing, replacing superstition with scientific explanation.
In simple terms: Science replaces myth with evidence.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions, seek evidence.
Themes
science
knowledge
progress
skepticism
Mood
curious
inspired
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- policy making
- personal growth
- health decisions
Key Concepts
empiricism
critical thinking
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify a belief?
- What role does humility play in discovery?
A Different Perspective
Science can be limited by unknown variables and bias.
![“[ 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)
![“Well the first time I performed, my mom was like how she is now when sees me on stage – all red, smiling from ear to ear. So I don’t want to mess up, [be]cause she’s smiling. Seeing my mom happy is kind of like an overwhelming feeling.” quote by Chris Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/477/chris-brown-1887_causes_well-the-first-time-i-performed-my-mom-w_4699.jpg)