Argument Quote by Carl Sagan
![“[Science] is not perfect. It can be misused. It is only a tool. But it is by far the best tool we have, self-correcting, ongoing, applicable to everything. It has two rules. First: there are no sacred truths; all assumptions must be critically examined; arguments from authority are worthless…” quote by Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0b3/carl-sagan-160_argument_science-is-not-perfect-it-can-be-misused_2558360.jpg)
“[Science] is not perfect. It can be misused. It is only a tool. But it is by far the best tool we have, self-correcting, ongoing, applicable to everything. It has two rules. First: there are no sacred truths; all assumptions must be critically examined; arguments from authority are worthless. Second: whatever is inconsistent with the facts must be discarded or revised. ... The obvious is sometimes false; the unexpected is sometimes true.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Cosmos: A Personal Voyage, 1980
Science is a powerful, self‑correcting tool that must be applied critically, discarding assumptions that conflict with evidence.
In simple terms: Science is a tool that needs critical testing.
Key Takeaway
Apply science, question assumptions.
Themes
critical thinking
science
methodology
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research
- policy making
- education
- technology development
Key Concepts
empiricism
self‑correction
skepticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we ensure ethical use of scientific tools?
- What assumptions do we accept without testing?
A Different Perspective
Science cannot solve moral questions alone; values still guide its use.
![“[ 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)
